Clay Walker

A man who doesn't really get much recognition these days, yet been active since 1993, has been performing for over 20 years.  Has over 30 singles released, but only 6 became #1, "What's It to You" (1993), "Live Until I Die" (1993), "Dreaming with My Eyes Open" (1994), "If I Could Make a Living" (1994), "This Women and This Man" (1995), "Rumor Has It" (1997). If you recognize any of them, then you know we're speaking of Clay Walker. He was formerly married to Lori Jayne Lampson until 2003, married again, and currently has 5 children. In 1996, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, inflammatory disease in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cords are damaged.

Clay Walker is believed to get his singing style by rhythm and blues music due to growing up in a largely African-American neighborhood. Clay original name is actually Ernest Clayton "Clay" Walker, Jr. and was born on August 19, 1969. Walker received his first guitar at age 9, and begin entering talent contest at age 15. What's cool is he graduated high school in 1986. Which is the same year I was born. Walker began touring as a musician at age 19. He was 23 when he was discovered by James Stroud.

Things didn't take long for Walker as his debut album was released under self-titled (using his name as the name of the album) in 1993. As you can come to the conclusion, his 1st #1 hit was also his debut single, "What's It to You". Then, one after another, hits after hits took place for him. Again how many artist can say that? Of course this all took place in the 90s, to where country music artist knew what they were doing. Now these days it's tougher. In any case, Clay Walker was a promising Country Music Legend. So what happen?

In 1996, he was playing basketball with his friends when the MS (Multiple Sclerosis) introduced itself to Clay Walker. which caused him to change his lifestyle a little. After his 6th and final #1 hit, "Rumor Has It", he still received hits but just wasn't receiving the recognition he should have been receiving at the time. It seems ever song Walker recorded, was just the same thing over and over again. Like he was afraid to take it up a notch.

So when will Clay finally get that recognition he's been waiting for for all those years? Will this year, 2015, be the year Walker finally see his 7th #1 hit? That's right, This year, Clay Walker is due to release, "Rock the Radio" as his next single. Visit Clay Walker home website to stay tune on when the release will be. One final note, Clay Walker was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame on 01/16/2015. With this, I bid you farewell.

Resource:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clay_Walker
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple_sclerosis
• http://www.claywalker.com/articles.html?n_id=3307
• http://www.claywalker.com/articles.html?n_id=3465

"This Woman and This Man"

Divorces sucks! I really don't know it by experience, except as a kid, but, that's pretty much what this man tries to tell his women before he signs the paper she wanted him to. Begging she take the chance one more time, before everything becomes final. "This Woman and This Man" was something a lot of people have gone through back in the mid-90s. Co-Written by Jeff Pennig and Michael Lunn, the single provided Clay Walker his second #1 off the album, If I Could Make a Living, and spend 2 weeks as #1 starting week of March 18, 1995.

If I Could Make a Living was Clay Walker 2nd album since his start in 1993. The album was released on September 27,1994, and released 3 singles. Two became # 1, the self-titled track, and "This Women and This Man", with the 3rd single peaking at #16, "My Hear Will Never Know". "If I Could Make a Living" has a legendary country music artist as a co-writer, Alan Jackson. Which gave Clay Walker his 4th #1 hit single out of 6.

Jeff Pennig written/co-written a lot of great songs starting back in the early 1980s. Some of the well known country single were, "Killin' Time" by Fred Knoblock and Susan Anton (1980, no not the same one as Clint Black), "Them Good Ol' Boys Are Bad" by John Schneider (1981), "If It Ain't Love" by Lacy J. Dalton (1985), and Hal Ketchum 1995's, "Veil of Tears". Just to name a few.

Michael Lunn was Jeff Pennig partner in writing Clay Walker # 1 sing, "This Woman and This Man", but has also written/co-written other songs as well. Such as, "Love Needs a Fool" found on Chris LeDoux 1994 album, Haywire. From what can be known about Lunn, is he started playing the guitar at age 12, and it wasn't until 1994 when he decided to focus his songwriting chance with the Nashville market. before hand, he wrote for Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, Johnny Lang, etc. Afterward, his songs can be found recorded by Brooks & Dunn, Sammy Kershaw, Diamond Rio, etc.

Clay Walker did go hiatus for awhile, but came back years later. Seems a lot of 90s  artist are making a comeback, or at least attempting. some have already such as Clay Walker and Garth Brooks. That's a story for next time. Until then, farewell.

Resource

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Woman_and_This_Man
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clay_Walker
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/If_I_Could_Make_a_Living
• http://www.musicvf.com/songs.php?page=artist&artist=Jeff+Pennig&tab=songaswriterchartstab
• http://www.zoominfo.com/p/Michael-Lunn/1191271898

You Can't Make a Heart Love Somebody

As the second single off of his 15th album, Lead On, George Strait scored another # 1 hit. What single was it? "You Can't Make a Heart Love Somebody". So true to its word, "You can lead a heart to love, but you can't make it fall". The single was written by Steve Clark and Johnny MacRae and was released on December 5, 1994. It spend one week at #1 starting week of March 11, 1995. What else? It gave Lead On a back-to-back #1 starting with the lead off single, "The Big One".

Lead On was released November 8, 1994 with only two #1 hits (as mentioned earlier), "The Big One" and "You Can't Make a Heart Love Somebody". Two other singles were released, "Adalida" and the self title as well. All four made Top 10 single list. The album also peaked # 1 on the U.S. Billboard Top Country Albums. What's cool about this album, is the title track, was written by Teddy Gentry. Sounds familiar? At the time, Gentry was a member of the former country band, Alabama. George Strait might have the most # 1 hits, but Alabama has the most consecutive # 1 hits. Put these two together and what do you get? A feeling like a  nuclear bomb just ended the world because they are that good. Don't believe me? look at both of their records. These numbers cannot lie.

Earlier, you read the name Steve Clark. If you're like me, you probably didn't think much about the name. In fact, there are so many other people name Steve Clark, "Steve might just be shorter to say than, Stephen, Steven, Stevo, etc. Then, you see the picture above, and think, "no way!" Well, your eyes are not deceiving you. Yes! That is in fact, the very Steve Clark, the guitarist from Def Leppard! Now, the song was release in 1994, Clark died on January 8, 1991. So how is it possible that this is the same Steve? When it comes to songwriting, there's a lot more to publishing the song than just writing it and having someone record and release it the next day. In fact, a lot (and I mean a lot) of songs usually take days, weeks, months, years, and even decades after being published before they even get recorded. So it's very possible this is how the amazing Steve Clark is the co-writer for, "You Can't Make a Heart Love Somebody" and it not be released until years later. Due to Steve Clark is very famous in the music world with Def Leppard, I really couldn't blog about him in this section. It be paragraph after paragraph after paragraph about him. However, if I had to pick what to write about him when it comes to country music, I'd write this:

Steve Clark, the co-writer for George Strait, "You Can't Make a Heart Love Somebody", has also written songs for many other artist such as Bill Anderson, Waylon Jennings, Doug Stone, and Confederate Railroad. If your mind not blown by this, you're either that kind of fan of Steve Clark, or you've done your research on him as well. One way or another, it safe to state, Steve may not be country, but he is one helluva awesome writer for any genre. May he rest in peace.

Who in the world would not want a funeral for them? Believe it or not, there are people out there. Johnny MacRae was one of them. Passing away on July 3, 2013, MacRaes' wife stated he requested there not be one for him. Johnny have also written many great hits such as, "Goodbye Says It All", "Pinebox (I'd Be Better Off)", "Tonight's the Heartaches on Me", "Whiskey, If You Were a Women", and many more.

Both of these man have lived a life full of awesomeness. It's amazing what comes to being conquer when two of the greatest minds comes together. As proven in just about every single one of my blogs. Can't wait to hear my blog on George Strait? Possibly things that you might not have known about him? I can't wait either. Until next time, farewell.

Resource

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Can%27t_Make_a_Heart_Love_Somebody
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_On
• http://www.musicvf.com/songs.php?page=artist&artist=Steve+Clark&tab=songaswriterchartstab
• http://www.marymacrae.com/aboutjohnny.htm

Wade Hayes

 

What happens when you get with Don Cook who has that much beliefs in you? Also, have a dad that who also becomes the one to strongly recommend you to an independent record company? You end up with someone like Wade Hayes. Born in Bethel Acres, Oklahoma on April 20, 1969, Wade Hayes first learn to play the mandolin until his father, Don Hayes (professional musician throughout Oklahoma), gave him his first guitar. At age eleven, Wade family moved to Nashville, Tn. where his dad signed Wade to an Independent record label (not known). Not long after, that company declared bankruptcy (probably explains why the mention of the name wasn't revealed in any site that mentioned it).

Wade Hayes actual name is Tony Wade Hayes, and the first official record company he signed to that kicked his career off was Columbia Records. Where in 1994, Hayes debut album, Old Enough to Know Better, produced his debut single, the self-titled track, which also became his one and only #1 hit. The only other singles that ever got close to #1 were, "On a Good Night", found on his 1996 album of the same name as the single. His other singles have also reached the Top 40, except for a few. One of the worse one was from 1999, "Tore Up from the Floor Up", which only peaked #57.

Remember Glenn Campbell's 19968, "Wichita Lineman"? Hayes did a cover on his would-of-been-released album, Tore Up from the Floor Up, however, since the single had failed to chart top 40, The album was put on hold. Nevertheless, Hayes released his 1997 single, "The Day That She Left Tulsa (In a Chevy)", which peaked #5. Bringing Hayes third album to finally be released, but as, When the Wrong One Loves You Right, and "Witchita Lineman" was omitted from the album.

Hayes had a few other singles and albums released up to 2001, then went on a nine-hiatus (a pause or gap in a sequence, series, or process). When he came back around 2008, he joined Alabama former member, Randy Owen's road band as a lead guitarist. n the meantime, also tours on his own. In 2009, he released, Place to Turn Around. Then in 2012, he released his latest single, "Is It Already Time" through RPM Entertainment. No album released with it yet tho.

Hayes latest single (as just mentioned) was written after Hayes was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer (development of cancer in the colon or rectum). in December of 2011. In the same month, was successfully operated on. His last tumor was removed in 2012 of March. Hayes currently (2015) is working on the album, Go Live Your Life, and according to http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/wadehayes, as of March 11, 2015, the project should be release sometime this year, but no sign rather or not, "Is It Already Time" will be found on it. Hayes mentioned how he doesn't like to sing the song due to it being too sad for him to sing. So who knows. You can still find the YouTube video and download the song on iTune. Hayes wrote nine of the ten songs that'll be found on the album.

Whatever the case may be, maybe the soon-to-be-release album will give Wade Hayes just what a lot of us could be hoping. Maybe another #1 single? MAybe a #1 album debut? Who knows? Anyways, the answers will soon be found. With that, I leave you with his latest single, "Is It Already Time". Farewell.

Resource:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wade_Hayes
• https://books.google.com/books?id=LdxCPLZAExsC&pg=PA332&lpg=PA332&dq=Don+Hayes+professional+country+singer&source=bl&ots=nR5AoKGsPi&sig=G7CSeRoTTlrp9K331N3qWCOEJ7I&hl=en&sa=X&ei=8w0AVY-0CYapNtKygOAP&ved=0CEYQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=Don%20Hayes%20professional%20country%20singer&f=false
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wichita_Lineman
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorectal_cancer
• http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/wadehayes
• http://www.wadehayes-woww.com/wadehayesnews.html

Wade Hayes - "Old Enough to Know Better"

Ever had to tell someone you were old enough to know better, and then right when they begin to reply, you tell them that you still feel too young to care? Exactly what Wade Hayes and Chicks Rains had in mind when, "Old Enough to Know Better" came to be written. Wade had it recorded on his debut album under the same name. He released the song on November 14, 1994, and hit # 1 for two weeks starting February 28, 1995. Hayes has indeed recorded other singles, and for awhile, also released other albums. However, "Old Enough to Know Better", is his only # 1 hit.

Hayes album, Old Enough to Know Better, reached # 19 on the Country Album chart, and has 4 singles display. Each one did make it to Top 10, "I'm Still Dancing with You", "Don't Stop", "What I Meant to Say", and of course, the title track (which is currently the topic of the blog). Ever noticed how Don Cook name seem to appear a lot? Well, it seems his name is going to keep appearing even more. Back in those days, Don knew exactly what he was doing. More about him in the future. In the meantime, Cook also produced Wade Hayes album, as well as written/co-written a few of the songs on the album such as, "Don't Make Me Come to Tulsa", "Kentucky Bluebird", and "Steady as She Goes". By the way, Brooks N Dunn also co-wrote, "Steady as She Goes" (both members, not just one). While on, "Kentucky Bluebird", you can hear a well known 90s country artist in the background, Patty Loveless. The titled track single was released first, then the album was released on January 3, 1995.

Earlier I mentioned the name of Chick Rains. Yes, I know. Who the heck would give a kid that kind of name? Especially if he's a guy? Now these days it seems to be normal. However, This guy is a legendary, Oklahoma Hall of Fame songwriter. So he is no stranger to the music industry. In fact, He's worked with various collaborators from late 70s and onward. Some of them were, Michael Martin Murphey, "Harley", found recorded by Johnny Cash on his 1990 album, Boom Chicka Boom. Another was with Harlan Howard, "Somebody Should Leave". Sounds familiar? Reba McEntire recorded it and released as a single in 1986. Before the 70s, Rains played in various location in Los Angeles and San Francisco, California starting from 1965. From there, he received a contract for Capitol Records. During the late 60s, Rains also served in Vietnam of 1969 and 1970. His first songwriting break came when Eddy Arnold recorded, "I Wish That I Had Loved You Better", on Arnold debut album (of the same name) in 1974. After Oak Ridge Boys recorded, "Easy", in 1977, Rains moved to Nashville in 1978. From there he's written many other singles and # 1 hits for various artist. Currently, Chick Rains resides in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he hangs with his wife and kids, and continues to write music.

So, what about the other co-writer? Lucky for Wade Hayes, he gets a whole blog to himself. After all, he recorded the song, and it still gets played even today. Until then, Here is the #1 hit of 20 years ago, "Old Enough to Know Better", by Wade Hayes.

Resource:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Enough_to_Know_Better_(song)
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Enough_to_Know_Better
• http://www.allmusic.com/artist/chick-rains-mn0000110412/biography
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somebody_Should_Leave
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boom_Chicka_Boom
• http://omhof.com/inductee/chick-rains/
• http://www.allmusic.com/album/i-wish-that-i-had-loved-you-better-mw0000973747

Collin Raye

There's two awesome Country Ballad singers from the 90's. One is Vince Gill, and the other? Collin Raye. You get either of these guys on the radio, and your heart will melt (as for guys, you'll start to try to imitate their voices but find out you suck soooo badly at it. I know, I've tried so many time.) From De Queen, Arkansas, Collin Raye grew up with a musical family. Ever heard of Lois Wrays? She did opening acts for artists such as, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins. All famous and legendary music artist. Lois is also Collin's mother. Different last name noticing? It's not because of any kind of divorce, it's because Collin actual name is Floyd Elliot Wray. He was born August 22, 1960, and been active in the music industry since 1983. Well, how come we've never truly heard of him until the early 1990s? In 1983, Collin was part of his brother band, The Wrays, from 1983 - 1987. He was at the time known as, Bubba Wray. They've produced a few singles, but failed to ever chart any of them. So, hello 1987, goodbye The Wray.

Raye went solo in 1991, with Epic Records, and released his debut album, All I Can Be. In this album, came his 1st #1 hit (lucky shot he made) with, "Love, Me". After that, Raye stayed in the Top 10 with all of his singles for decades on into 2000. However, Can't Back Down (released in 2001), was the first to miss the Top 40. In 2005, Raye released his first recording after being absence during the time, Twenty Years and Change, with an independent label. Between 1991, to 1997, Raye charted 30 singles, among them, were 4 #1 hits, "Love, Me", "In This Life", "My Kind of Girl", and "I Can Still Feel You". His most recent album right now is, Never Going Back. Released on April 28, 2009 from Saguaro Road Records. Now let's dig a little deeper shall we?

Collin Raye got his name by fiddling around with "Wray", if you haven't noticed by now, they rhyme. That just my guess on why he went with "Raye". Studies shows he just mainly messed around with the name until he got his current stage name. He signed with Epic in 1990, released, All I Can Be, and provided his first debut single, "All I Can Be (Is a Sweet Memory)" in 1991. The album was released later the same year. Did I mention he had a lucky shot earlier? Just how lucky was the shot? His debut single peaked up to #29. Not every artist gets that lucky on their debut single. You know Conway Twitty? He was the first to record the song on his 1985 album. It does make you wonder. If Twitty (knowing how good this Holy-Crap-this-guy-can-sing-pure-geniously can sing) had released the song as a single, where would it had gotten him. Raye first #1 hit, "Love, Me" stayed #1 for three weeks starting January 4, 1992, after Brook N' Dunn 1991 #1 hit, "My Next Broken Heart". Raye other single, "Every Second" peaked #2.

"In This Life" can be found on his 1992 album, In This Life, and was also the debut single for the album. As read earlier, the song also became #1 as well. it stayed for 2 weeks starting October 2, 1992. The album also produced 3 other Top 10 hits, "I Want You Bad (And That Ain't Good)", "Somebody Else's Moon", and "That Was a River". Raye next album, Extremes, was released in 1993, and also had a few hits such as, "Man of My Word", "My Kind of Girl", and "If I were you". As noted, "My kind of Girl" is Raye 3rd #1 hit. It stayed for 1 week, The week of February 18, 1995. Two other hits from the same album that were considered very popular were, "That's My Story" which peaked #6, and the followed by (my favorite), "Little Rock". By the way, if you're like me, you could have sworn this song went #1. It actually only peaked at #2.

Six single were produced on the next album. Including the title track, "I Think About You". The album was released in 1995. The other 5 singles were, "One Boy, One Girl", "Not That Different" (both reaching Top 5), "Love Remain", "What If Jesus Comes Back Like That", and "On the Verge". Now here's the kicker. While "Not That Different" was the current single released, "What If Jesus Comes Back Like That" was receiving a huge amount of unsolicited airplay. Because of it, Raye ended up making it an official single release. Which was done after the release of, "Love Remains". Only "On the Verge" and, "One Boy, One Girl" got the closest to #1 by peaking #2.

Speaking of Unsolicited airplay, back in 1981, Journey (yes we're getting off the country chart for a moment) recorded "Open Arms". Fast forward to the 90s, Collin Raye re-recorded the song. Was never meant to be a single however, It also received unsolicited airplay. This happened after Collin Raye released, The Best of Collin Raye: Direct Hits. On the same album, Two other newer songs, "What the Heart Wants" and "Little Red Rodeo" had both join the Top 5 list. Keep "Little Red Rodeo" in mind as we journey onward.

Raye met his last # 1 hit in 1998 with, "I Can Still Feel You". Which is found on his album, The Walls Came Down. The song, starting from July 18, 1998, stayed #1 for 2 weeks. In the meantime, other Top Hits were, "Someone You Used to Know" and "Anyone Else". These were Top 5, but, "Start Over Georgia" was in the Top 40. Every now and then, you'll find that an artist to have a song that never gets released as a single. Instead, they're released as a music video. That's what Collin Raye did with, "The Eleventh Commandment". At the end of this video, There's a Child Abuse Hotline #. While in, "Little Rock", there's a Al-Anom (Alcohol Anonymous) # at the end of the video. I never could find the video with the number for the child abuse, nor alcohol abuse, either way, If you need help, remember, there's always help. Just look the number up online, in a phone book, next door neighbor, etc. Don't ever go through this alone.

Counting Sheep had only one Top 5 hit with, "Couldn't Last a Moment" however, none of the other singles on the album ever saw the Top 40. This was the starting point of bad days for Collin Raye. Even with his next album, Can't Back Down, no singles ever saw the Top 40 either. Because of this, Raye exited Epic Records in 2001. Raye still performed around, and done vocal backing for other artist in the meantime, but didn't have a label until 2005. He is still in the search for his Top Hits again, but only time will tell.

Earlier, "Little Red Rodeo" was mentioned. As I was watching the YouTube video, I decided to read some of the comments. That's when I saw just how unreal people can get. One comment that caught my attention, was a user explaining how they disagree with the other user. Stating how Phil version is better because you "can't mess with the original". There's a problem with this. First, we're talking about the recording, not who wrote it when it comes to "the original". The song was indeed written by Phil Vassar. It was also co-written with Charlie Black and Rory Michael Bourke. However, Collin Raye recorded it first in 1997. Making him the official original recording artist. Phil re-recorded it later in 2006 on he CD, Greatest Hits, Vol.1, but was never released as a single. "Vassar's first greatest hits compilation, Greatest Hits, Vol. 1, was issued in 2006. This album comprised the biggest hits from his studio albums to that point, as well as his renditions of "Bye Bye", "I'm Alright", "My Next Thirty Years", and "Little Red Rodeo"." So again, in order to be the "original", you would want to be the first to record it. Again, Phil is the original writer yes, but the way the user put it, to me, is stating Phil first recorded it. If you get the chance, check out the actual YouTube page of the song, and check out some of the comments. They're actually funny. In the meantime, I leave you with my favorite, "Little Rock". Until then, Farewell.

Resource

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collin_Raye
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992_in_country_music
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_number-one_country_singles_of_1991_(U.S.)
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_I_Can_Be
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_number-one_country_singles_of_1995_(U.S.)
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Rock_(Collin_Raye_song)
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Arms_(Journey_song)
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Can_Still_Feel_You
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_number-one_country_singles_of_1998_(U.S.)
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Red_Rodeo
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Vassar
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Vassar_discography

Collin Raye - My Kind of Girl

Sometime, it takes three to come up with a hit that'll take over the Hot Country Billboard chart. Even tho the song only lasted one week, it still counts as a success for Debi Cochran, John Jarrard, and Monty Powell. All three together, co-wrote "My Kind of Girl" which was recorded by Collin Raye on his Extremes album. The song was released as a single on November 29, 1994, and met the #1 for the week of February 18, 1995. Becoming Raye third #1 single. The producers were John Hobbs, Ed Seay, and Paul Worley.

Raye album, Extremes, was also his third album as well and was released on January 25, 1994 (funny how his third single went to #1 a little over a year since the release of his third album). The record was produced from Epic Records and peaked at #12 on the album chart. "My Kind of Girl" is Raye only #1 single out of the 5 singles released from the album. However, the other 4 singles still made a smash hit for Raye, which they were, "That's My Story", "Man of My Word", "If I Were You", and (my favorite) "Little Rock". if you have the album, you may have noticed the song, "Dreaming My Dreams with You" sounds familiar. It is because the song is a cover of Waylon Jennings.

Monty Powell actual name was Richard Belmont Powell, Jr. and is a native of Georgia. He got his start by writing a jingle (short slogan, verse, or tune designed to be easily remembered, especially as used in advertising) for an Allstate commercial. Then in the 1990s, Powell moved to Nashville to be a staff writer. Some of the songs he's written were recorded by artists such as Diamond Rio, Tracy Byrd, Chris Cagle, Billy Ray Cyrus, Tim McGraw, and Restless Heart. Powell had it good with Diamond Rio since he used to be college roomate with their lead singer, Marty Roe. Powell had won the CMA triple play award for having written 3 #1 songs in one calendar year (mainly recorded by Keith Urban). Powell is still active in the music industry and has been since 1980. He was 19 at the time of the start.

When it comes to being in the music industry, especially when it comes to songwriting, it's a very risky "all or nothing" business. takes a lot of encouragements and to try out. Just ask John Jarrard. It took his girlfriend to get him to go to a convention in Nashville in 1974 to get his career started. Jarrard was born on May 7, 1953 and unfortunately is no longer with us. He is also a native of Georgia as well and have written song for Alabama, George Strait, and Don Williams. When Jarrard first started to work (before the songwriting), he was a disc jockey. So it's no wonder he had the idea of what people wanted to hear. Then again, I'm sure there's a lot more than that as well. I mean after all, Alabama (having 35 #1 hits consecutive), George Strait ( having well over 50 #1 hits), the two artist/band that has the biggest impact on country music. You can't go wrong with John Jarrard (Sorry Jimmy Buffet). I'm not saying Jarrard wrote all their songs, but still, impressive. While in Nashville, Jarrard worked at a motel until 1979 when diabetes started causing him complication. He ended up losing his eye sights, and then came the total kidney failure. He underwent transplant, however, his 2nd kidney transplant cost him both of his legs in 1991. and then on February 1, 2001, respiratory failure took him. Jarrard had up to 11 #1 hits with, "Nobody but You" being his first one. Which was recorded by Don William.

So is the third songwriter also from Georgia? In this case, no. Debi Cochran is actually a native of Arkansas. Where she had sent most of her childhood life with her grandma, who had a piano at the time. Cochran also sang at church regularly. On top of the Piano, Cochran also plays bass as well as a mountain dulcimer (see picture below). She spend her time being a mentor to songwriters in-person and online. Just check her webpage out if you're interested in taking lessons from her. After all, she did help write Collin Raye 3rd #1 hit.

So, with great minds working together, this is one proof that the smell of success can always occur. Happy 20th anniversary to Collin Raye's, "My Kind of Girl", and with this, I bid you farewell until next time.

Resource

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Kind_of_Girl
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Powell
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Jarrard
• http://www.montypowell.com/about-monty/
• http://www.discogs.com/artist/659427-Monty-Powell?noanv=1
• http://www.debbiecochran.com/bio.php
• http://www.nashvillesongmentoring.com/bio/
• http://www.usmasters.com/montypowell.htm
• http://www.nashvillesongmentoring.com/bio/
• http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail-pf.php?n=230185

Pam Tillis

Mel Tillis, best known for "Coca-Cola Cowboy", has many success through his music life. Like him, Pam, his daughter, Also found her own success in the music industry as well. On her own term. The last thing written is about the most awesome fact to ever get to know about this amazing and beautifully talented lady. any artist we hear these days, that have come from a famous celebrity parent, cheats their way to stardom. To prove it, Miley Cyrus only shot to fame because of her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, before she took her own path. Pam Tillis on the other hand, started from the very bottom and experienced it all as her dad, Mel Tillis, did. I'm proud to allow Pam to be the first 90's female country music artist to write a blog on.

Pam was born on July 24, 1957 (God I feel bad for writing that since it gives her age, but as you can tell in her picture, she looks younger. Yes that is one of her most current picture. Keep reading and maybe it'll explain how she does it.) as Pamela Yvonne "Pam" Tillis. Her music career started in 1981 however, none of her singles entered the Top 40 until her release of, "Don't Tell Me What to Do" in 1991. Ladies and gentleman, if you haven't noticed, that's ten years. This is one proof she deserves to have the biggest respect than any of these other female celebrity that have had it a little bit more easier. Her only #1 hit is, "Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life)", released in 1995. Another thing, you know Dolly Parton 1992 hit single, "Romeo"? Pam also co-wrote the song and sang with her as well.

Like other 90's artist, Mrs. Tillis started at a very young age as well. She made her debut singing, "Tom Dooley" at the Grand Ole Opry when she was 8, learned to play the guitar at age 12. Tragedy struck her when she was 16 however, when she was involved in a car accident. Due to this tragic event, Mrs. Tillis had to go through years and years of surgery, including one being a facial reconstruction (now you know the reason behind her youthful look). That didn't stop her tho. She stayed moving forward in life with as much positive vibe as she could use. She dropped out of college (University of Tennessee) in 1976 to work for her dad publishing company. Later moving to California and founded the jazz/rock band, Freelight. THen came back to Nashville as a demo singer and singed in to Warner Bros. Records early in 1980.

As mention earlier, her first 10 years were not that easy on her. Mrs. Tillis debut single, "Every Home Should Have One", was released in 1981, but never charted. A few more release came from the same album, Above and Beyond the Doll of Cutey, but none of them did her any good. It was so bad, the album itself never charted either. Did she give up? Nope. She did leave the label to focus on what she needs to do, and ended up looking into contemporary country (good choice). During this time, she became a staff songwriter with Tree Publishing in Nashville. Now the weird part, before she left Warner Bros. Records, she had a few additional releases of singles which weren't on the album. Were they on her next album? Not really. In fact, these five singles were never put on any of her albums. However, out of those five, "Goodbye Highway", released in 1984, became her first single to even chart; peaking at #71. This is probably why she never gave up hope, and that's a good thing.

In 1989, she signed in with Arista Nashville and released "Don't Tell Me What to Do" and BAM! Her success started to kick in. The song (I thought it did go to #1, I was wrong) peaked at # 5 in 1991. Found on her album, Put Yourself in My Place, the album also had a few additional hits such as, "Maybe It Was Memphis" and "One of Those Things". Her title track also became a hit as well. In 1992, "Shake the Sugar Tree" (another song I thought went to #1, was wrong again), and "Let That Pony Run" both joined the Top 5 hits. Both can be found on Homeward Looking Angel album. Mrs. Tillis album release of, Sweetheart's Dance, is her highest charting album peaking in at #6. Also, on this same album, since her debut in 1981 (which is 14 years), Mrs. Tillis received her first #1 hit single with, "Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life)" in 1995. To me, it's very possible her other single, "I Was Blown Away" might have been able to be her next #1 hit. However, the single was withdrawn from radio play, by her request and fans, due to the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing incident. So with this, the song only peaked up to #16.

The 90s have been very good to Mrs. Tillis, even tho she never saw any additional #1 hits that she could claim her own. She is still currently performing around, releasing albums, and doing what she loves to do the best, and that is to continue to play real, pure country music. She became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2000, and also, you've ever heard of Kenny Chesney 2000 single, "I Lost It"?  You know the female voice throughout the song, especially in the end? That is Pam Tillis singing. In 2007, Mrs. Tillis started her own record label, Stellar Cat Records, and I believe this quote you're about to read is one of the best statement that sum up what Alan Jackson is also seeming to try to do on his 25th anniversary Bringing Country Music Back tour, and that is to bring Real, Pure Country music back to life. Can it be done? Only time will tell. With that, I bid you farewell until next time.

"What I'm doing is country - but not necessarily the kind that you hear on the airwaves these days... Now I admire a lot of this music; I've sung rock, pop, R&B, and jazz, so I'm hardly a purist. But what I'm hearing now sounds often more like pop than country to me. And I just seriously felt called by that old different drummer to something a little bit more like the country I remember from my formative years, the country music of my youth."

Resource

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pam_Tillis
• http://www.pamtillis.com/about/

Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life) - Pam Tillis

Vida Loca! Seems just about everyone has one. If they don't, they'll probably eventually get there. Even us musician (whom most peopel think are slackers) have a crazy life (vida loca, now you know) in the music world. Lot of us hardly ever get any sleep. Ever read/listen to these musicians interviews? Their days goes something like this (for example): 5 a.m. wake up; get to studio; listen to thousands upon thousands of records; pick from the selection; rehearse; make adjustment; rehearse some more; interviews; record. This isn't even a day worth work. This is more of a 5 a.m. to noon kind of work. Still think it's nothing? Their job is never a 9 hour shift. Out of 365 days in the year, 98% of that is spent working, working, and working. Usually from 5 a.m. to midnight. Now I'm not writing that they're the only one with a crazy lifestyle. There's also nurses, soldiers, politicians (yes them too), EMTs, firefighters, police, electricians, etc. So many to name yet, they're all out there. Thanks God there's Pam Tillis and her single, "Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life)".

The song is Tillis 3rd single from her album, Sweetheart's Dance, and was release on November 7, 1994. The song was co-written by Tillis as well as Jess Leary. Not only was Tillis a co-writer, but she was also the producer along with Steve Fishell. Interesting fact: Even tho Pam had many other awesome success in the music business, "Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life)" is her only #1 hit single from the Billboard Hot Country Songs. To where it stayed for two weeks starting from February 4, 1995.

As mention earlier, the song is found on Tillis 4th album, Sweetheart's Dance (released in April 1994), which also had 4 other singles, "When You Walk in the Room", "Spilled Perfume", "I Was Blown Away", and "In Between Dances". All manage to reach the Top 10 except for one. "I Was Blown Away" didn't last very long after it was withdrawn from radio station after the Oklahoma City Bombing incident in 1995. In this case, the song only peaked at #16. The album itself however, became Tillis highest ranking album at #6. Through listening to the album, you can hear some extremely well known artist as well. For example, ever heard the mandolin solo on, "'Til All the Lonely's Gone"? That's Bill Monroe playing. Also Vince Gill can be heard as a vocal backing (or background singer) on, "They Don't Break 'Em Like They Used To".

Pam co-writer, Jess Leary, isn't all that much of a stranger. Not only did she co-write with Tillis, when Leary was younger, she was the regional winner on the Wrangler Country Star Search (now known as Texaco Country Showdown). Leary started playing the guitar at age 10 and had her own garage band by the time she was 14. When she won the showdown, she was given a trip to the Grand Ole Opry. It was there, when she found her destiny and moved to music city to pursue her music career. Reba McEntire publishing company signed her in and McEntire took her on tour as McEnire's vocal backup in 1992. From there, Leary toured with other artist and is currently touring with Australian musician, Anne McCue. While on the other hand, Leary also perform solo shows. She can be credited for many songs written such as, Tim McGraw's, "Where the Green Grass Grow" and "Ready, Willing and Able", by Lari White (which was first recorded by Daron Norwood). She can also be found doing backup vocals and instruments for a couple of recorded albums such as Garth Brooks, The Chase, where she does acoustic guitar and percussion.

So what else can be known about Pam Tillis, and why is it that she only has one #1 hit instead of a bunch? I mean, after all, she is well known. Maybe it's because her dad is Mel Tillis, also a country artist with many success in the business as well, or maybe because Pam has also written other songs that became #1 such as Dolly Parton's, "Romeo". Whatever the case may be, "Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life)" will probably continue to be the signature song for many of our lives. So I thank you for taking time out of that crazy life to read this. 'Til next time, farewell.

Resource

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mi_Vida_Loca_(My_Crazy_Life)
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_number-one_country_singles_of_1995_(U.S.)
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweetheart%27s_Dance
• http://www.last.fm/music/Jess+Leary
• http://www.discogs.com/Garth-Brooks-The-Chase/release/1916751
• http://www.amazon.com/Songwriter-Jess-Leary/dp/B004TZO5JO
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5iD_er3Fb4

Alan Jackson

When deciding what to "blog" about in regard to the bio of Alan Jackson, it's really not that simple once you get pass his early childhood life. Especially when he's one of my Top Three biggest icon in the music world. Having 15 studios album, 3 greatest hit albums, 2 Christmas albums, 2 Gospel Albums, and a few compilation albums, Jackson continues to impress the world since 1989. With that being written, he has over 50+ singles in the Billboard list of Top 30 country songs, with 50 in the Top 10, and at least 35 being #1. He has won 2 Grammy, 16 CMA, and 17 ACM. Became a member of the Grand Ole Opry on June 7, 1991, and in August of 2014, the Country Music Hall of Fame open an exhibit celebrating his 25th anniversary in the music industry.

Jackson was born on October 17, 1958, as Alan Eugene Jackson in Newnan, Georgia. His father, is Joseph Eugene Jackson (remember this) and mother is Ruth. You know one of Alan Jackson single, "Home"? The chours, "And they made their house from a tool shed / Grandaddy rolled out on two logs / And they built walls all around it / And the made that house a home.", is no joke. With Jackson, his parents, and 4 older sister, they literally lived in a house built off of his grandaddy old toolshed. Unlike people of my generation (with a few exception), Alan first job was at a shoe store. He was only 12 year old at the time. Jackson did graduate and attended college, it was during this time when Jackson was interested in the music world. Makes it interesting to want to think how life would be, if his friends never talked him into becoming a major music fan (you can be my guest, I rather not think the "what-if"). Alan started his band right after high school, and wrote his first song in 1983. He married Denise and have three daughters. Jackson and Denise moved to Nashville in 1985, where Denise worked as a flight attendant. In the meantime, Alan worked his way into the music life, and almost gave up when his wife came across Glen Campbell on one of her flight in 1986. So began Alan music career.

In 1989, he signed with Arista Nashville, which was newly formed off the branch of Arista Records, and was there first one ever. While 1989 is fresh on our mind, This is the year that has the famous, "Class of '89". Which included artist such as, Garth Brooks, Travis Tritt, Clint Black, and Mary Chapin-Carpenter (which you can be sure will be in my future post). Alan's first single was "Blue Blooded Women", but didn't really do anything for him. Which gave Jackson (yes, I know I keep switching back and forth between first and last name) a slow start. However, 1990 came along, and he released his second single, "Here In the Real World", and boom goes his career (the good boom, not the bad one). It reached #3, followed by, "Wanted" and "Chasin' That Neon Rainbow" also joined in on the Top 5 spot (The Billboard Hot Country Songs by the way). Which all these singles can be found on Jackson debut album, Here In The Real World. What else can be found on this album? That's right! His 1st #1 hit, "I'd Love You All Over Again", starting on the week of March 9, 1991, and stayed for 2 weeks.

His next album, Don't Rock the Jukebox, continued his success. Providing 4 #1 hits, "Someday", "Dallas" (the first song I've learned to play by him), "Love's Got a Hold On You", and let's not forget his title track as well, "Don't Rock the Jukebox". On the same album, Hank William last moment on earth is mentioned in his # 3 hit, "Midnight In Montgomery". Still a spooky song to this day if you really think about it. Jackson have also co-wrote with Randy Travis some of the songs found on Travis' album, High Lonesome, released in 1992. In exchange, Travis co-wrote Jackson's #1 hit, "She Got the Rhythm (And I Got the Blues)" (talk about a favor-in-return). "Chattahoochee", his additional #1 hit, won Jackson the 1994 CMA award for Singles and Song of the year. Who I Am was the next album released, however, it was the first released under Jackson new management company, Gary Overton. The album also gave Jackson another 4 #1 hits, "Summertime Blues", "Livin' On Love", "Gone Country", and his comical, "I Don't Even Know Your Name". Jackson is credited as a co-writer for Clay Walker's, "If I Could Make a Living" (which I swear, growing up in my early years, I thought it was Jackson who performed the song. Which is how I came to know Clay Walker).

Like so many other artist before him, Alan Jackson released his first greatest hit album in 1995, which contain two new singles, "I'll Try" and "Tall, Tall Trees", both reaching # 1. In 1996, Everything I Love was released and also provided Jackson a #1 with, "There Goes", however, the album also provided him with his first single to not reach the Top 10 since 1989 ( "A House With No Curtain"). CMA got a boot-in-the-hind back in 1999 when they asked George Jones to cut his performance down to 90 seconds. What happen? Jones boycotts the show altogether (very well done). To make matter worse for the show, Alan Jackson cut into the middle of his own song and performed Jones', "Choices", then walked offstage (like a drop-the-mic-and-walk-off kind of walk off). Just come to show, don't disrespect those whom made the show famous in the first place.

Then came the year 2000 (or Y2K). The year when Country music seem to have died. Everyone seem to be wanting to turn into the Country pop scene, which completely destroys the Country music true traditional sound. To criticize it, Alan Jackson and George Strait recorded "Murder On Music Row", which became the highest-charting nonseasonal album cut to appear on Hot Country Singles & Tracks in the Broadcast Data Systems era. Beating Garth Brooks', "Belleau Wood", which did it previously. That's how seriously bad country music started losing it taste.

However, Alan Jackson continues to make success in the new millennium. As a promised to his mother, Jackson released his first gospel album, Precious Memories, in 2006. THen things got a little bit more crazier for Alan. In the same year, Jackson released Like Red On a Rose, but was criticized for doing so. The reason? Many felt Jackson "was out of character". Rather it's true or not, his single, the title track, still found success through it all. A couple of years later, Jackson released Good Time, which made a statement that he was not running from his country traditionalist sound. "Sissy's Song" is one of Alan Jackson heartfelt song. It was dedicated to Leslie "Sissy" Fitzgerald, whom cleaned his house for a long, long time until the mid-2007, when she was killed in a motorcycle accident. Another heartfelt song by Jackson is his 2002 single, "Drive". When his late dad, Joseph Eugene Jackson, also known as Gene, passed on January 31, 2000 (what's interesting about this is my dad also goes by his middle name, which happen to be part of my first name. Here we have both Alan and his dad middle name the same, yet his dad was also known by his middle name as well).

As you can probably predict, there's so much that can be written about Alan Jackson, yet there's just not enough space to do so. A real good way to go deep into Jackson life, is to read his wife's book, It's All About Him: Finding the Love of My Life. Alan Jackson is currently touring with his recent new, 25th Anniversary Keepin' It Country Music tour. Which started this year. One more final, fascinating fact before I leave you with, "Chattahoochee". ASCAP been around since 1914, and provided Jackson the ASCAP's prestigious Heritage Award in 2014. Alan received the award for being the most performed country music songwriter-artist of ASCAPS's first 100 years. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is an American not-for-profit performance-rights organization (PRO) that protects its members' musical copyrights by monitoring public performances of their music, whether via a broadcast or live performance, and compensating them accordingly.

RESOURCE

• http://www.opry.com/artist/alan-jackson
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Jackson
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_number-one_country_singles_of_1991_(U.S.)
• http://www.alanjackson.com/about.html
• http://countrymusic.about.com/od/maleartistsal/a/AlanJacksonBiography.htm
• http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/alanjackson/home.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Society_of_Composers,_Authors_and_Publishers

Gone Country

There was a time, when country music wasn't cool. Then came Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Shania Twain, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Brooks 'N' Dunn, etc.Now these days, seem everyone, "Gone Country". Seems like Bob McDill knew what he was writing about when he wrote this song. Alan Jackson released "Gone Country" as his third single from his fourth album, Who I Am, in November 1994 and was produced by Keith Stegall. The song peaked up to #1 on the Hot Country Songs the week of January 28, 1995, and lasted one week. In Canada however, it managed to meet #2. Cledus T Judd came out with a parody soon afterward with, "Gone Funky", as shown below (Not that great of a song, in my opinion).

The music video followed the lives of three artist trying to survive out in the music business world. Risking it all, they try out for the Country music world where they soon found success bigger than where they previously were. Directed by Michael Oblowitz and was filmed in New York, Knoxville, Tennessee, and Las Vegas. The concert featured in the video comes from Evansville, Indiana. late in the 1990s, Alan Jackson made a jingle for the Ford Motor Company using the song, and was titled, "Ford Country".

Thanks to George Jones, "Good Year Before Roses", Bob McDill was inspired enough to start writing country songs after not finding much success with writing rock and pop (probably where the idea of writing "Gone Country" came from). McDill was born in Walden, Tx. as Robert Lee "Bob" Mcdill on April 4, 1944. during his childhood life, he took Viola lessons in 4th grade, and later picked up on guitar. During his high school years, he played with several different bands. After graduation, he attended Lamar University and then enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve, serving active duty for 2 years. He came across Allen Reynolds, whom gave him many sognwriting advice, and had helped McDill produce his first chart record as a songwriter with, "The Happy Man". The song was recorded in 1967 by Perry Como.

McDill later moved to Nashville by 1970, where he pursue a full-time music career as a songwriter with Jack Music, a publishing company owned by Jack Clement. McDill first country cut, "Catfish John", was recorded by Johnny Russell in 1972. The song propelled McDill into the front ranks of country songwriters. In 1977, Bobby Bare (best known for "Detroit City" and "500 Miles Away From Home") recorded an entire album of McDill songs titled, Me and McDill. McDill, after writing many and many songs, which provided up to 31 #1 hits, retired in 2000 since his start in 1960.

These days, you can still hear "Gone Country" in your mind whenever you hear about all these artist who crosses over into country music. Even when we have these newcomers who don't even belong in the country music world. Back then, it used to be about the music, now it's only about the money. So is Country Music really dead? Some say yes, others say no. With this, I leave you with Alan Jackson, "Gone Country", and a farewell.

Resource

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gone_Country_(song)
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_McDill
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Bare
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catfish_John

Sonny James, "You're the Only World I Know"

George Strait has up to 44 # 1 hits, which is the most in country music history up to date. However, they're not consecutive. That is one accomplishment Sonny James pulled between 1967 to 1971. which, is really something not that simple as it seems. Only very few country artist manages to get #1 hits one after another in consecutive order. What exactly does that mean? It means every single you come out with (one right after the other), all hit #1 without interruption (having a single come out that doesn't hit #1 in between). Even tho James 2nd # 1 hit, "You're the Only World I Know", came in almost 3 years before the start of his streak, It still marks a special time as the song reached its 50th anniversary since being #1 back in January 23, 1964.

Sonny actual name was James Hugh Loden however, Capitol Records (first recording company he signed into) requested for the name change so it was easy to remember, especially for children. He was born on May 1, 1929, and is currently retired in Nashville with his wife Doris (wife since 1957). His 1st #1 hit came in 1956, which is also the song he is most remembered for, "Young Love". Up until his retirement in 1983, James has scored 22 #1 hits with 16 streaks (starting from "Need You" to "Here Comes Honey Again"), and his last #1 was in 1974, "Is It Wrong (For Lovin' You)".

So, just how hard is it to make a streak of #1 hits? Best sum up this way, Blake Shelton started his music career in 2001. Up to this point, his record is only 12 in-in-a-row. That's almost 1 song per year up to 2015. Shelton has over 24 singles out. Think that's nothing? Earl Thomas Conley is tied with Sonny James for 16 streak in-a-row. Conley has over 30 singles charted between 1974 to 1992 (based on what made the chart). The only country music artist, or band actually, to have the most steak in-a-row, is Alabama, whom has 21 streaks. As mentioned earlier, George Strait has up to 44 # 1 hits, while Alabama only has 33. So if you think about it, Alabama is 21 streaks while having 33 #1 hits altogether, that means almost every single singles (hmm, that can get confusing really quick) the artist, or band, come out with, needs to hit #,1 one right after the other, in their, almost entire career. Which is something Strait has yet to accomplish in his over 30 years he's been in business. Great American Country (GAC) sums it up really good. "They reeled off 21 straight #1 singles, a record that will probably never be equaled in any genre."

James co-wrote "You're The Only World I Know" with Robert Tubert, also known as Bob Tubert. Tubert was one of the first original Nashville Songwriters Association (NSA) board member in 1968. He has also co-written other great songs such as, "Satin Pillow", also written with Sonny James, and "Ring Dang Doo", co-written with Joy Byers. He is best known as being a producer for many, many different artist. Tubert currently has a book out, My Life With the Stars, The Real Story About MusicCity.

Sonny became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1962, and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame (inducted in 2007, same year as George Strait). There is a dispute that it was Alabama, "Christmas In Dixie", from 1982, was the song to surpass James streak. However, in those days, christmas songs weren't really counted when it came to chart-topping singles. Instead, it was declared that Alababma, "Fourty Hour Week (For a Livin')", is what surpassed the streak in 1985. Which is a major year difference. So, here to you Sonny James, and a congratulation to "You're the Only World I Know" for reaching 50 years since seeing that #1 spot. I bid you farewell.

Resource

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonny_James
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You%27re_the_Only_World_I_Know
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Billboard_Hot_Country_Songs_chart_achievements
• http://www.secondhandsongs.com/artist/23507
• http://nemahaia.com/wp-bookstore/2014/03/01/life-with-the-stars-by-bob-tubert/
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_Thomas_Conley_discography
• http://www.gactv.com/gac/ar_az_alabama/article/0,,GAC_26145_4706268,00.html