He Had "IT"

Can't stop thinking about the Kenny Rogers Farewell tribute this week ...The Gambler has left the building but what a final night!

The norm is for someone to die and a tribute follows. We've done that in this town too many times. This week Kenny showed everyone how to do it right. One last show and goodbye.

I hope it's true that the big three networks all are showing interest in airing the show. They should. It looked good on paper and it turned out even better than that.

When asked who was the best? Too difficult a question! Wynonna was great ... Jamey Johnson was amazing with his take on "Sweet Music Man." Billy Currington with "Morning Desire" was impressive! The Oaks were great. Everyone getting a chance to sing those great songs went up a notch.

Lionel Richie and Dolly were already in the stratosphere and Kenny took them on into space.

Someone needs to air this show so everyone can enjoy it ... Kenny Rogers went out as a real pro who was also a nice guy. First class and what a song man! There was so much love in that arena. A few days later and still a buzz!

Kenny Rogers had IT. His voice, style, persona was just that unique blend. Blake Shelton has IT. To be a star you have to have some level of "it." Michael Jackson really had IT. Dolly for sure has a lot of IT. You have IT or you don't ... You can still make it and not have it but you never go all the way. You know it when you see it.

Kenny Rogers at 79 still such a charming man. My life is better because of the music he added to it.

Jamey Johnson singing "Just Dropped" in to see what condition my condition was in ... That was FUN ... Jamey is easily the most underrated and maybe under-appreciated singer in Country today!

Why would anyone take the chance and go sing the National Anthem? If you screw it up you are marked for life. But it's the nature of the beast. Stars like the challenge. Most do a yeoman's job ... a few really reveal their shortcomings.

With that said ... Brad Paisley knocked it out of the park. Game 2 of the World Series ... He hit the right speed ... didn't over-sing ... played the guitar but kept it in the strike zone. It was a real moment at the right place and the right time. He walked the tightrope and made it.

Again ... Brad has IT. He did what made him a star in the first place. He was real! Like Kenny Rogers, he knows what he does best and does it. It is so simple but some make it so hard. Generally people should stay away from the Anthem unless you are the Oak Ridge Boys or Carrie Underwood. The hardest, most dangerous song in show business!

This has been a great week ... Induction week for the Country Music Hall of Fame. Jerry Reed, Don Schlitz and Alan Jackson are now in ... All three most deserving! Just wish the group making the decision had gone with Jerry Reed earlier. He is no better or deserving that he was 10 or 15 years ago. Alan Jackson agreed with me ... Put people in while they are alive!

If you are going to do it ever, do it sooner than later ... and they have recently ... Garth is a great example ... why wait? They didn't. Who's next? Too soon ... but worth a thought.