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

Tim McGraw

If country music was truly dead (even tho it seems to be dead already), then there's really no reason to have any reason to listen to country music anymore. However, George Strait is said to still be recording, Garth Brooks back in full swing, Alan Jackson is still around, and Tim McGraw is about to release his latest single from his latest album. Just a few reason real country music isn't quite dead yet. It's just on life-support for now. Before we get into McGraw latest tho, as mentioned in my last blog (Not a Moment Too Soon), McGraw is currently celebrating with his second #1 hit reaching its 20th anniversary.

Tim McGraw was born on May 1, 1967 as Samuel Timothy "Tim" McGraw in Delhi, Louisiana. Hold on. Before he knew his biological dad, Tim thought his last name was Smith. More about that in a minute. McGraw, over his music career has seen 13 studios album, with 10 of them seeing #1 on the Top Country Album. From those albums, he released over 25 singles with so far, 25 have reached #1. With this, McGraw have received 3 Grammys, 14 ACM (Academy of Country Music) awards, 11 CMA (Country Music Association) awards, 10 American Music Awards, and 3 People Choice Awards. More to come? Most likely. McGraw has also done some acting. appearing in movies such as, The Blind Side (my favorite of them all), Friday Night Lights, The Kingdom, Four Christmases, Flicka, and the latest, Country Strong. With all this going for him, what more could put this guy at the top of his game? You probably guessed it. Since 1996, Tim been married to another country music legend, Faith Hill. Which I'll be writing about her sometime in the future.

So now, let's get back to when McGraw thought he was a Smith. From his mother marriage, up til he actually met his biological dad, McGraw thought his step-dad, Horace Smith, was his real dad (Which is funny, because I've always thought my step-grandpa, was my real grandpa). McGraw was 11 when he discovered his birth certificate showing Tug McGraw, the former star pitcher for the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies (this info will come in handy, hang in there), as his biological dad. However, it wasn't one of those 1st time meet in person and all is good. No, it took over 7 years for Tug to finally accept Tim as his son. Which, by then, Tim turned 18, and was looking more like Tug. Tug then, couldn't deny Tim anymore, and accepted Tim as his son (so much for going to the Maury Show). In the meantime, Tim attended Florida Community College for 1 term. This was where he first learned to play the guitar (story goes he really sucked at it, yet people seem to enjoy his voice). McGraw didn't really take further action (other than playing and singing around for tips) until his icon, Keith Whitley passed in 1989. McGraw, then moved to Nashville to further pursue his music career. McGraw seem to of had it easy getting signed into a record deal. However, he was not going to have it easy with the business early in his career.

Tug was riding with someone who happened to be friend with one of Curb Records executive when McGraw became known. Earlier, McGraw made a record demo and had handed a copy to Tug. So, if there's an imagination to be picture here, Tug is sitting there with this stranger, puts in the demo, and this stranger is like, wow. Long story short, Tim, within a few weeks, was signed into Curb Records starting 1990. However, the first 4 years was not pleasant for Tim. His first single, "What Room Was the Holiday In" (never heard it, but the name is just so, lame), never did anything for McGraw. Except to be introduced to the world. The only reason Tim had any advances, was due to his dad fame. As it was put by a former program director of Philadelphia (rememebr when i stated to keep info about Tug handy?) WXTU. Another former program director, this time for Nashville station WSM-FM (yes, that's right, Grand Ole Opry station), McGraw showed "undeniable promises." Also, McGraw had recorded 2 songs on his debut album that were co-written by Joe Diffie. To This, McGraw did not get completely wiped off the map. It was just a very slow start.

Then came 1994. McGraw finally released his 2nd album, Not a Moment Too Soon, and so began his fame. The album became the best-selling album of 2004. However, once again, McGraw found himself in a tight spot. With the release of "Indian Outlaw", it sure did cause a mighty controversy. Critics argued the song placed Native American in a patronizing way. Keep in mind, the 90's saw a lot of country songs causing controversy one way or another. For example, "Thunder Rolls" by Garth Brooks and "Independence Day" by Martina McBride just to name a few. Just like these songs, Radio stations had refused to play them, but that was o.k. The controversy is what brought these songs to their fame. For McGraw case, "Indian Outlaw" saw the Top 10 country music hit because of the controversy. "Don't Take the Girl" is where McGraw met his first #1 hit. spending two weeks starting from May 28, through June 4,1994. McGraw title track became his second #1 hit from January 14, to January 27,1995. The album was named top country album of 1994 on Billboard Year-End charts. This was only the beginning, as McGraw continue to see success from here on out.

McGraw saw his third album, All I Want, debut #1 album in 1995 when it was released. The album also saw at least 2 singles hang out with #1 hits. With "I Like It I Love It" stayed there for five weeks (song is probably stuck in your head now. You're welcome). His other #1 hit? "She Never Lets It Go to Her Heart". Which met #1 in 1996. "It's Your Love" (collaboration with Faith Hill), received 2 Grammy Award nomination for Best Country Collaboration and Best Country Song. "Just to See You Smile" (my 2nd all time favorite from him), set a record for longest run on the country charts at the time for 42 weeks.

In 1999, A Place In the Sun album kept McGraw success streak going. Providing four chart-topping singles, "Please Remember Me", "Something Like That", "My Best Friend", and "My Next Thirty Years". The following year, His and Faith tour, Soul2Soul Tour, was one of the top tours of any genre in the U.S., and the leading country tour during the year 2000. On McGraw 2001 album, Set This Circus Down, also provided four # 1 hits which include, "Grown Men Don't Cry", "Angry All the Time", "The Cowboy In Me" (can never get enough of this one), and "Unbroken". Interesting fact? Unless you looked at Jo Dee Messina's record, you probably wouldn't of known that Tim McGraw did harmony vocal for her's, "Bring On the Rain" single. Also produced the single as well. "Things Change", was performed by McGraw during the CMA Awards Show. It was so good, Fans downloaded it  online, as well as radio played it extensively. The result? The song became the first country music song to appear on the charts from a fully downloaded version.

The Dancehall Doctors were McGraw touring band. In honor of them, McGraw used them to record his 2002 album, Tim McGraw and the Dancehall Doctors. Normally a session band would be on the recording, while the tour band would perform live. With this album, comes a few more awesome hits such as, "Real Good Man", "She's My Kind of Rain", and "Red Ragtop". One of the song found on the album, "Comfort Me", was in response to the 9/11 tragedy. The song had a special appearance by Kim Carnes.

2004 was a tough time for Tim. Tug, Tim biological dad, life was taken by a brain tumor. In honor of his dad, McGraw recorded "Live Like You Were Dying". The single found it way to #1 and became the top country song of 2004 on the Billboard Year-End charts. However, The album itself, which is the name of the single, didn't really do that great for McGraw. his other single, "Drugs or Jesus" never saw the Top 10. Which was a first for McGraw since 1993. Even tho his duet with Nelly, "Over and Over" did see success ( crossover hit and spend 10 weeks atop Top 40 chart; also gave them both never-before experience in the hot adult contemporary market), there's been rumor that the song was a mistake. the rumor still continue exist today. For me, the song should have never met country music in the first place. That just me (and the rumor was around long before I've heard it those years ago).

Other than the bad times, McGraw soon saw better success again afterward. Had a song in dedication to him (Taylor Swift, "Tim McGraw"), had additional hits, and currently has a new single coming out soon, "Diamond Rings and Old Barstools". If anything else, the one event that will probably be talked about for years to come, is McGraw and Curb Records lawsuit against each other. However, McGraw still growing strong and looks forward to many more success with Big Machine Records.

Resource

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_McGraw
• http://theboot.com/tim-mcgraw-diamond-rings-and-old-barstools/

Not a Moment Too Soon

A lot of us been there. Off on a wild mission impossible lifestyle, and just when we reach the very end of that line, someone comes along and freed us from the destruction we almsot fell into. "Not A Moment Too Soon" is exactly what we think of when we arrive in these situation. There's really no telling how many time we've come across these situation, and survived every single one of them. The only thing we find ourselves doing, is thanking the one that saved us.

"Not a Moment Too Soon" is what came along when Wayne Perry (hats off to you, may God bless you) and Joe Barnhill collided with each other to write Tim McGraw 4th single, which became #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks (now known as,Hot Country Songs) starting the week on January 14,1995, and spend 2 weeks there. "Not a Moment Too Soon" is also the name of McGraw 2nd album. The song debuted at #61, when it was released October of 1994. The video was produced by Byron Gallimore and James Stroud and was filmed in Crescent City, California (beautiful landscape there).

Wayne was born in 1950, as Darrell "Wayne" Perry, and started his music career in Cincinnati, Ohio early in 1970. During this time, he recorded for Beast Records, before moving to Nashville, Tennessee. Not only was Perry was a co-writer for "Not a Moment Too Soon", but he also co-written Gerald Smith, with Lorrie Morgan's #1 hit single, "What Part Of No". Some other great hits he wrote includes, "I Swear" by John Michael Montgomery, "I'm Already There" by Lonestar, and can also receive credit for George Strait's, "You're Right I'm Wrong". Late in his career, Perry added Pop music to his name when he co-penned for some of the Backstreet Boys (Yes, I'm bringing them up) hits, "You Wrote the Book On Love", "Anywhere For You", and "I'll Be There" (they had some awesome songs out in the 90's, before they became silent in the crowd). Perry had many more unrecorded songs, unfortunately he'll never get to know rather they did any good or not. Why? In December 2002, he was diagnosed with throat cancer (any singer worse nightmare). Following his sister advice, was probably the biggest mistake he ever made. The cancer ended up taken him in 2005. Perry is survived by his 4 children, who sued his sister for wrongdoing, which later, the case was dropped.

Joe Barnhill was born in the great state of Texas. From Turkey, Tx., Barnhill tried his luck with a country music career starting in 1989. From that time to 1997, he had released 2 studio albums, only has 2 known single out, but only "Your Old Flame's Goin' Out Tonight" was his highest chart topping single. Peaking at #56 in 1989. Lucky for him, co-writing, "Not a Moment Too Soon" didn't let him down. Since then, there's really not a whole lot known about what he's doing now.

Congrat to McGraw on his 20th anniversary since "Not a Moment Too Soon" hit #1. McGraw is still touring and releasing music. More about him in the next blog. Until then, here's the video, and Farewell.

Resource:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Not_a_Moment_Too_Soon_(song)
• http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=82548732
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Perry_(country_music)
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Barnhill

Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton was born in Lexington, Kentucky on April 15, 1978. He later moved to Nashville in 2001 to pursue his music career. Still being a fairly newcomer, Stapleton manage to win 6 ASCAP Awards and score up to 3 #1 single from Kenny Chesney's, "Never Wanted Nothing More", Darius Rucker's, "Come Back Song", and Josh Turner's, "Just To Be Your Man". Stapleton has written for both, Universal Music Group Nashville (a subsidiary of Universal Music Group) and Sea Gayle Music.

Stapleton throughout the time, has co-written with many known artist such as Vince Gill, Peter Frampton, and Sheryl Crow. Also has numerous notable songs, such as the one he's co-written with Frank Rogers for Trace Adkins', "Swing". While his songwriting career picks up, Stapleton also did gigs for living when he joined the bluegrass band, The SteelDrivers from 2008-2010 as their lead singer and acoustic guitarist. Shortly after, he formed the rock band, The Jompson Brothers. Then later, went solo when he signed with Mercury Nashville and has released his first single on July 1, 2013, "What Are You Listening To".

From listening to his release, In my opinion, Stapleton will either stay rock, or he'll transpose into Red Dirt Country bringing his rockabilly personality with him. I do in either case, look forward to hearing more from him. In the meantime, here's the song he co-wrote with Al Anderson for George Strait's, "Love Gonna Make It Alright". Until then, Farewell.

RESOURCE:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Stapleton
• http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/57548/swing-for-the-fences

Kerry Kurt Phillips

I remember a few years back, when Zac Brown released Knee Deep in 2011. The song was co-written by the band and Jimmy Buffet. Nice beach-bar song, but what really caught my attention was when Lia, from the Radio Lia Show, mentioned if you put Jimmy Buffet in your song, you're bound to get a #1 hit. With recent events of singles that Jimmy Buffet has written and co-written, Lia does make a point. However, There's one Songwriter that has done what Buffet didn't do. That is to make his first cut to be #1 on the chart. Which is exactly what Kerry Kurt Phillips (KKP as it seems to be put on his fan page) did. 

"But even if you're a professional songwriter — even if you've been recorded and had songs on the radio, even if you've had No. 1 singles — the odds of getting your next song recorded are not good."

KKP grew up in both Henderson, Kentucky and Vincennes, Indiana, and declares both as his hometown. He was around 8 when he received his first guitar. Throughout his childhood, he had learned to play it on and off. Eventually getting the hang of it. However, he was more passionate with wordplay (literary technique and a form of wit in which the words that are used, become the main subject of the work, primarily for the purpose of intended effect or amusement). It was hard to find him without a book on him, or near him. One of his biggest beloved wordplay came from Craig Morgan 2002 #1 hit single, "Almost Home". The story that has plenty of different imagination on what the song is about. What surprised KKP about the song most tho, is people coming up asking if the main character in the song is living, or dying. KKP mention he never thought of the "death" part, but felt honored that the song was very catchy.

"It's a gamble by the publisher that your songs will get recorded and be successful," he said. If they are, the advances you've received will be deducted from any royalties earned from the song.

KKP moved to Nashville in 1988, where within the first few weeks of living there, KKP signed in as a staff writer for Larry Gaitlin-owned publishing company, Texas Wedge Music. KKP first cut came 2 1/2 years later after signing in with the company, when George Jones recorded "Where the Tall Grass Grows". As mentioned earlier, the single became #1. That is hard to come by. To be still new with the music business, but get a written song to become a hit right off the back. Especially topping #1 on the Billboard and Radio & Records. Kudos to you KKP. Later the song was also recorded by Vern Gosdin, Ricky Van Shelton, and Tom Wopat, just to name a few. None of them have released the song as a single however.

Even if the publisher has a recording session scheduled on a Friday, and tells the songwriter on Monday that his or her song will get recorded then, "it may get bumped off between now and Friday" by another song.

KKP has been known to have written over thousands of songs, with 5 of them reaching #1. Has won 75 gold records and 36 platinum albums. One of his biggest achievements was when he won TNN/Music City News Song of the Year Award for Billy Ray Cyrus', "It's All the Same To Me". ASCAP recognizes 15 of KKP work to be the most performed in the nation of their respective years. Also had 6 songs to reach the prestigious Million-Air honor. Meaning these songs have reached more than a million time the song been played on air-wave. To top it off, His songs have been nominated in all, CMA, ACM, and the Grammy.

"If the producer likes it and A&R likes it, now the artist hears the song, and the artist themselves hate the song," Phillips said. "You have to have all three" interested.

KKP notable songs that became hits include George Jones', "I Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair", Joe Diffie's, "Is It Cold In Here", "Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox", "In My Own Backyard", and "Pickup Man". Also Tim McGraw's, "Down On the Farm", and "Maybe We Should Just Sleep On It". Some of the most memorable were Kevn Denney's, "That's Just Jessie", Tammy Cochran's, "Life Happened", Craig Morgan's, "Almost Home", Dusty Drake's, "One Last Time", "Smaller Pieces", Tracy Byrd's, "Drinkin' Bone", and Tim McGraw's, "Do You Want Fries With That".

Joe Diffie seems to have a lot of his songs written by KKP. Probably because before KKP went into full-time songwriting, He was also Diffie tour manager, as well as Diffie acoustic guitar player. Another one of KKP awesome hit comes from George Strait's, "She Let Herself Go". Interesting fact about this song? For three whole years, the George Strait project actually declined the song. However, thanks to KKP co-written partner of the song, Dean Dillon, he kept pushing the song and Strait finally recorded it. KKP songs are represented by Affiliated Publishers, Zomba Music, EMI, Universal Music, and DreamWorks.

“The key is staying fresh and pertinent, and being able to transcend the decade. You have to write outside of your comfort zone and outside your niche. I think the key is also to always be writing with someone new. That’s not just young people, but writing with people who come from different places. Diversity is the key. The more different people you can write with, the more vast a web your catalog creates out there. That’s the secret to success.”

KKP still does gig around Nashville, and continues to write songs. One amazing songwriter that knows the business well enough to have his own publication, Kerry Kurt Phillips Publication. With this I leave you with his most recent success from George Strait's, "She Let Herself Go". Until Next Time. Farewell.

RESOURCE

http://kerrykurt.com/?page_id=6

http://www.courierpress.com/gleaner/business/kerry_hurt_phillips

http://www.nashvillemusicguide.com/2011/07/06/songwriter-spotlight-kerry-kurt-phillips/

Joe Diffie

From his first record deal in 1989, to present time, Joe Diffie released up to 5 #1 singles, along with many success throughout his career. Diffie had released up to 7 albums from 5 different recording studios, with his recent in 2010, Homecoming: The Bluegrass Album.  '"I always had in mind to do a bluegrass album someday," says Joe Diffie. "It was something I wanted from the first day that I got my country deal."' It did take a few years for Diffie to release one, however, it's not the first time he played bluegrass (explain a littlebit later on). So, who exactly is Joe Diffie? Which is a lot better question to ask than, "Who is Paul McCartney?" (Honestly, it's ok to ask about McCartney, but might want to do some research first before thinking he's new).

Diffie was born on December 28,1958 in Tulsa, Oklahoma as Joe Loan Diffie. As mentioned earlier, Diffie had released 7 albums with at least one being from each: Monument Record (catalog now managed by Sony Music's Legacy Recordings unit; if possible, keep this in mind), Broken Bow Record (now partnered with RED Distribution to form Red Bow Records), Rounder Records (now purchased by Concord Music Group). Diffie first signed in with Epic Records in 1990. Scored #1 with: "Home," "If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets)," "Third Rock from the Sun," Pickup Man," and "Bigger Than the Beatles."

Diffie been performing since he was 4 year old. First in his aunt country music band, then performed in a Rock band while in high school. During his childhood, Diffie had moved several different times. Since First Grade, he moved to San Antonio, then to Washington State, up to Wisconsin, and then back to Oklahoma; where he finished high school in Velma, Oklahoma. When Diffie graduated, he attended Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma where he studied in the medical field (dropped out when he realized medical school wasn't for him). Diffie then lived in Duncan, Oklahoma and worked in a foundry (factory that produces metal castings) while he did music on the side. In doing so, he performed with a gospel group called High Purpose, then onto Bluegrass (see? Diffie was in bluegrass long before his recent bluegrass album) with Special Edition (the influence in Diffie bluegrass album, but don't forget the bluegrass band name just yet). During this time, Diffie also been sending demos to Nashville, Tennessee. One of the demo caught Hank Thompson, and Thompson recorded "Love On the Rock." Which became a sign Diffie was on the right track. Diffie final sign was when Randy Travis was also interested in recording one of Diffie demo, but never did. However, That did not stop Diffie from pursuing forward with his destiny.

Bad luck did find Diffie as the foundry closed in 1986 (around the year I was born; but that's not important). Diffie went into bankruptcy, and sold his Studio he build while he was with Special Edition. He also went through a divorce with his wife around that time as well. Diffie went through a few months of depression, but then decided to move to Nashville to try his luck, andluck he sure did get. While working for Gibson Guitar Corporation, he recorded demos, that were later recorded by Ricky Van Shelton, Billy Dean, Alabama, and The Forester Sisters. He then decided to quit his job in 1989 to become a full-time demo recorder. Same year, Diffie was contacted by (wait for it) Bob Montgomery (yes, the one and only), songwriter and record producer whom worked with Buddy Holly, to have a contract with them. However, Diffie had to wait a year before signing in. During the wait, Diffie, Lonnie Wilson, and Wayne Perry co-wrote, "There Goes My Heart Again." In which, was recorded by Holly Dunn with Diffie on the backup vocal. Afterward, Diffie was finally signed into Epic Record.

It wasn't everyday a newcomer artist become a big deal. Except when 1989 came around. That's right a lot of major artist came thru, but Joe Diffie came out on top. With his first single, "Home," from his debut album, A Thousand Winding Roads, went to #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs. Still don't think it's a big deal? The single also was rated #1 by Radio & Records and Gavin Report. Making Diffie the first country music artist to have a debut single on all three charts. It gets even better! Diffie, is also the first country music artist to have a debut single spend more than one week in the number one position at the latter two publications. The album producers were Bob Montgomery and Johnny Slate. Diffie other singles from the album also had success as well. Such as, "If You Want Me To" and "New Way (To Light Up an Old Flame). Both reaching #2. "If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pocket)" was Diffie second #1 while the album peaked at #23 on Top Country Albums. On the road, Diffie first toured with George Strait and Steve Wariner. In the meantime, Diffie co-wrote, "Livin' On What's Left of Your Love" and "Memory Lane," found on Keith Palmer's debut album.

Next came Regular Joe album, released in 1992, and was certified gold by Recording Industry Association of America. The only interesting thing about this album, was his single, "Next Thing Smokin'," was released one month before the duet with Mary Chapin Carpenter, "Not Too Much to Ask" from her Come On Come On album. Then in 1993 Came the honky tonk feeling of his Honky Tonk Attitude album. Where the titled track, and "John Deere Green" both reached #5. "John Deere Green" introduced Diffie to his first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, coming in at #69. The song that made it higher in the country chart? Tend to be a classical to this day, "Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox (If I Die)." peaking in at #3. 1993 was a great year for Diffie as he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and was one of the guest vocal for George Jones, "I Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair." It was also in 1993 when Tim McGraw made his debut with his album, which included "Memory Lane" and "Tears in the Rain."

Third Rock from the Sun was released in 1994 as Diffie highest-charting Top Country Album, coming in at #6. It was his first album he co-produced with Johnny Slate. What's included in this album? My #1 favorite song from him, "Pickup Man." It became his fourth single (with the title track being his third) to reach #1, and his longest to spend there, for four weeks. A little over ten years later, Applebee's restaurant had the song reproduced for their "Car-side to Go" commercial. "So Help Me Girl" topped the RPM country chart and reached #2 on the Billboard chart. a few years later in 1997, the song was covered by English singer, Gary Barlow. In 1995, Diffie released Runnin' Wide Open, with Columbia Records. Based as a NASCAR-theme record, with songs by various artist. later that year, Diffie released a Christmas album with his classical single, "LeRoy the Redneck Reindeer," from his Mr. Christmas album. while in the same year, Diffie released Life's So Funny album. With this album, Diffie released his last #1 single of his career, "Bigger Than the Beatles." 1996 wasn't a great year for Diffie, as the release of Twice Upon a Time album did not produce any # 1 singles, nor did any of them see the Top Ten. Even worse? "The Promise Land" peaked #61, the lowest-peaking of his career.

His final album from Epic Records was released in 1999, titled, A Night to Remember. The title track spent twenty-nine weeks on the country chart, peaking in at #6, and was his only Top 40 on the Top 100 found at #38. In 2001 Diffie was moved from Epic to Monument, by Sony (remember from earlier when I ask to keep a statement in mind?), to balance out both side. Don Cook and Lonnie Wilson produced Diffie only album from Monument, titled In Another World. Sometime after Monument closed down, Diffie toured with Mark Chesnutt and Tracy Lawrence starting in 2002. The same year, Diffie was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. The next year, Diffie signed with Broken Bow Records and released the only album from them, Tougher Than Nails. Diffie also did a duet with George Jones in, :What Would Waylon Do." Come 2005, Jo Dee Messina released "My Give A Damn's Busted," in which Diffie had recorded earlier in his In Another World album. However, Messina was able to make it #1 on her Delicious Surprise album.

Diffie continued to tour after leaving Broken Bow Record, but mainly played in smaller venues and county fairs. In 2007, he joined Lonestar, Charlie Daniels, and Craig Morgan to perform a benefit concert for sgt. Kevin Downs (soldier who was severely wounded in Iraq). 2008 came along, Diffie decided to release a live album and later signed in to Rounder Records. It was then, in 2010, when Diffie made his lifelong dream come true, by releasing Homecoming: The Bluegrass Album. Collaborations with The Grascals, Rhonda Vincent, and other bluegrass artists. The album was co-produced by Diffie and Luke Wooten, and included (get this) "Tennessee Tea," which Diffie previously recorded with Special Edition those years ago.

Jason Aldean did a tribute to Joe Diffie, by recording "1994" (which I think is the most annoying song, Aldean ever did. That just me tho). The song, co-written by Thomas Rhett, Luke Laird, and Barry Dean, was later released as a single in 2013. Throughout Diffie life, he's been married three different time. the first one was in 1977, where he had two kids and then divorced in 1986. (check this out) His son, Parker, went on to be Diffie on-road manager (not this one) in the mid-2000, while Parker and Diffie daughter, Kara (this one) went on to audition for American Idol in mid 2010 (fascinating ain't it?). Diffie then married again after two years of being divorced, also had two kids. However (might want to grab a kleenex for this one), from the two son he had in this marriage, the latter suffered from down syndrome and nearly died in 1991. Due to complication of a tonsillectomy (surgical procedure in which each tonsil is removed from a recess in the side of the pharynx called the tonsillar fossa). during this marriage, Diffie messed around with Liz Allison, the widow of NASCAR driver, Davey Allison in 1993. What happened next? Marriage problems, court, and the whole drama situation not worth going into. In 2000, Diffie then married the former Theresa Crump. How did that go? Far as I know they're still married. Had one additional daughter in 2004.

Diffie is still touring around, and with a lot of these artist from the 90's making a comeback, will Diffie be one of them? never know. I don't think he will, but you never know. With that, I leave you with a farewell til next time.

RESOURCE

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Diffie
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foundry
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonsillectomy
4. http://www.cmt.com/artists/joe-diffie/biography/
5. http://www.gactv.com/gac/ar_artists_a-z/article/0,,GAC_26071_6034151,00.html
6. http://dakotasioux.yapsody.com/event_details.php?show_id=708

Pickup Man

"You can set my truck on fire and roll it down a hill
And I still wouldn't trade it for a Coupe De Ville.
I got an eight-foot bed that never has to be made
You know, if it weren't for trucks we wouldn't have tailgates
I met all my wives in traffic jams
There's just something women like about a pickup man."

The passion one can have about their truck. Do anything you want to a "Pickup Man" truck but, you'll never change him into anything else. Also, using a pick-up was a good way to pick up women (even tho that doesn't really work well all that much anymore). Joe Diffie Released "Pickup Man" on October 17, 1994, where the song debuted #56 in the week of October 22, 1994. It is declared as one of Diffie best single, and the only one that lasted the longest, than any of his other #1 hits, on the Hot Country Songs (formerly Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks, which is kinda a long name for a chart). It peaked #1 starting December 17,1994, finished off the year, and lasted through the week of January 7, 1995. It continued to stay on the chart, peaked at #66 on the End-Of-Year 1995 chart, #60 on U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and #9 on the Canada Country Track.

"Pickup Man" was co-written by Howard Perdew and Kerry Kurt Phillips. with the Producer being by Johnny Slate and Bob Montgomery on the album: 'Third Rock from the Sun'. The music video was filmed in the drive-thru found in Lewisburg, Tenn. and film directed by Deaton-Flanigen Productions. In 2005, "Pickup Man" was re-written in 2005 to promote, "Car-side To Go" service for Applebee.

As mentioned earlier, "PickupMan" can have two meaning behind it (with one of them being a hidden message). THe main message is how being a man with a pick-up truck can sure attract a lot of attention from the women. No matter who they might be. You become one of the most well-respected man around as it is mentioned, "Never have to wait in line at the popcorn stand." You become so respected, that it seem even the high maintenance women wants a piece of you, "She flagged me down, climbed in the cab and said 'I never knew you were a pickupman'." (Disclaimer: Not all Homecoming Queens are high maintenance). The hidden message, if it wasn't already caught, is also not only having a pick-up truck, but also the ability to pick up women as well. Anyways you can enjoy this 20 year old classic from Joe Diffie below, Pickup Man.