Who Will Write The Song For This Week?

Where were you when the world stop turning? A brilliant Alan Jackson Country song. A perfect fit for all in that moment in time and remains an emotional work.

The Roanoke TV murders this week touched an equally sad chord. Watching the outrageous crime play out live made many cry and just has many sick. Not on the scale of the 9/11 tragedy but a hole in the heart just the same.

I hope a special songwriter like Alan Jackson can find words to capture this moment in time. Find the words like only a Country song can that comforts those hurting.

The issue of security in the media business is rarely talked about. In fact, no one wants to even think about it. But it's a real issue. And the artists and their managers have to think about it. The stalker and crazy fan list is very long at some offices. The threat is all too real.

The world was rocked by the murder of John Lennon. Remember the murder of Denver radio talk show host Dave Berg? Now this. Two young TV news workers murdered on live television.

One central theme for all these crimes. Mental illness. If Music Row managers are looking for a great charity to work with, think of a mental health one.

It's a broad topic but one that cries out for work maybe more than any one single issue facing the nation. It is a subject that affects so many segments of the Country music community. It's a subject most won't touch. Maybe the subject is too raw or too controversial. Getting an important artist to speak out with others on the single common denominator in so many tragedies. It would be huge.

Another Music Row heartbreak this week was the loss of Jeff Walker. I can close my eyes and see that smile. He was such a hard worker and truly a good guy. He always wanted to talk to me about movies. Never wanted to miss a good one and always looking for the next great one. He just had charm. So many have their own Jeff Walker memories. He just knew how to win. That smiling face will last with me forever.

Interesting story out late in the week about Lady Antebellum taking a break. This nonstop rocket ship ride needs time to recharge the batteries and spend a little time with their spouses and babies. Three talented people trying to find that compromise that so many seek ... the balance between personal and professional. I wish them luck as they reboot.

As the CMA nominations near, the politics of those nominations are always in play. This year, you have too many great artists not making that nomination cut. Some have already had their time in the spotlight others just not enough voting power.

The Male artist and Entertainer of the Year spots are going to be very interesting. EOY's fifth spot will be the most interesting ... you know, the EOY first four...

The Female vocalist award seems to be a two-horse race and The Group maybe a one-horse race. The New Artist nominations are where the real politics will play out. Just to get in the game is good enough.

Will this be a reflection of radio? All new folks getting their spotlight time or will it be a mix? Will someone sweep? It does make for an interesting year on paper at least ...

Nomination announcement coming just after Labor Day.

Am I the only one haunted by the happy pictures of those two murdered while doing their jobs? Can't shake the images...

It's the saddest unwritten song I've heard in a very long time!