If there was a single song that gave birth to country music as we know it, it would be “Single Girl, Married Girl”. The song was one that Ralph Peer specifically requested the Carter Family sing in their first recording session, and it was the song that convinced him that the Carter Family was worth signing to a record contract. However, as in the case of many famous incidents, it is a song that almost did not get recorded.
Read MoreThe Carter Family first recorded what would be their signature song in Camden, New Jersey in June 1933. RCA Victor, their record company, never released this version and the song sat until 1935 when the Carters, once again, recorded “Will the Circle Be Unbroken”, a song about a mother’s funeral. This song would go on to be one of their most famous songs and inspire the title of an album that would re-introduce the Carters to a different audience 40 years later.
Read MoreIf it had not been for the wandering work of A.P., the Carter Family might not have been able to achieve the success and lasting legacy they hold in American music.
Read MoreThe influence of Jimmie Rodgers on American music cannot be understated. He has been called the “father of modern country music” and he has influenced everyone from Hank Williams and Merle Haggard to Lynyrd Skynyrd. While he only recorded 111 songs in his career, they left a lasting impression.
Read MoreAt the end of the day, how we influence those around us isn’t by what take, but by what we make. It’s less by our words and more by our actions.
Read MoreBecause of advancements in technologies, the things we did, at least how we did them, will never happen again.
Read MoreThe point of all of this isn’t just to tell you what I’m up to, but to say to my fellow artists, don’t be afraid to throw yourself a curveball. I’ve gotten comfortable working alone, but am I reaching my potential as an artist being comfortable and alone?
Read MoreBefore we begin, let me make myself crystal clear: this is not a top nine list. These songs are not ranked. I chose nine because I needed a limit and the number made making a collage of covers easy. While I would put a few of these on my all-time list, the point of this is to illustrate what makes songs great. I tried to put in a few familiar favorites, a few things a bit lesser known, songs that were complicated and songs that were simple. Ultimately, it is about illuminating what makes for a great song.
Read MoreIt’s the difference between seeing an animal at the zoo, or in the wild. Yes, you can appreciate the majestic nature of a lion at the zoo. Especially if that’s your only opportunity to see it, but there’s nothing like being in the wild and experiencing a wonderful animal in it’s natural environment. You can forget the animal at the zoo, you will never forget the experience you had in the wild.
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Well, it’s that time again. I’ve never made resolutions, but the turning of the calendar is as good a reason as any to look back on the progress of the previous year and to reassess your goals for the coming year.
Read MoreWe only have so much bandwidth. Between my day job, music, my family, the house, cars, taking my kid to hockey, etc., I don’t have time to waste. 99% of my time is spent intentionally, and mostly, productive.
Read MoreI’ll admit it, I’m not the world’s biggest Foo Fighters fan. This isn’t to say I don’t respect the hell out of Dave and everyone who has ever been in the band, all the way to new drummer Josh Freese. Dave might be the most talented musician/writer of our generation. Most of it just doesn’t move me. There’s usually one song on each record I love, otherwise, I can do without.
Except, The Colour and the Shape. I love this record from first note to last and I have since it came out on May 20, 1997.
Read MoreThere are one or two characteristics I can most certainly attribute to growing up in Columbus, not least of which is my love of, and my appreciation of, what I call “functional art.”
Read MoreAll of this to say, work is good, but so is rest. Work hard people, but take care of yourselves too.
Read MoreThere is definitely a connection to the past through things and places, but the greatest connection to the past is through the people who were there. Ken told me that he and Norman were closer than brothers and it showed through all the work Ken has done over the years to preserve Norman and Vi’s work and their history.
Read MoreNoodles is the typical “punk” these days. Pro-establishment. Pro-government. Pro-corporations.
Read More“I think that, a) you have an act, and that, b) not having an act is your act.” – Linda Powell (Singles)
Read MoreDylan is one of a kind. He’s an icon, and as such, everyone wants to make him their own and he keeps refusing to belong to anyone but himself.
Read MoreIt’s kind of hard to aim for what you think is the perfect career. You can’t control how many people respond to your music. You could be a nobody or you could be the Rolling Stones. You don’t get to decide.
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