Mama, He's Crazy

Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame member Kenny O'Dell died this week at the age of 73. Prolific tunesmith of so many great ones like "Behind Closed Doors" and "Mama He's Crazy."

I knew him as a radio listener from his artist/songwriter days. He was played in my hometown Montgomery on WBAM. His song was "Beautiful People." Bobby Vee recorded that song, too. It was Kenny's only Top 40 hit.

He also wrote a classic one-hit wonder for The Rose Garden, "Next Plane to London." Might have to go to the '60s on Six Sirius to find that one.

Hall of Fames are in the news as the Country Music Hall of Fame got three new members. All great choices and very worthy: Ricky Skaggs, Dottie West and Johnny Gimble.

One hundred thirty-six plaques on the wall will be the count in late Fall. The Hall of Fame is WAY behind. Garth Brooks agrees and told Nashville media this week," Let's figure out a way to catch up a bit." Amen to that.

"Catch up" was somewhat controversial when they did it a few years ago. Country music has a very long history at this point and to catch up on just those who are gone would be huge. John Denver, Johnny Paycheck, Keith Whitley, June Carter Cash ... probably Johnny Horton. Those folks are gone and should not be forgotten.

Always a great buzz, some tears and general good feeling with each class of the Country Music Hall of Fame. A big catchup group might make it easier to get Jerry Lee Lewis and Hank Williams, Jr. in their rightful spots.

Across downtown is the Musician's Hall of Fame. It is every bit as cool a place as the Country Music Hall of Fame! Right now there's the last American stop for the Rolling Stones exhibit. Five hundred pieces of memorabilia showing off the career of The World's Greatest Rock Band.

First class and it reminds you what an amazing career this band is still having. They play London and Dublin in May.

Too many Nashville cats have played and been inspired by their songs ... Mick Jagger co-wrote/cut a fun song with Brad Paisley ... iTunes has it, "Drive of Shame." Brad does his best Keith Richards guitar.

Album cuts in general. What would your musical life be without them? The Beatles "Drive My Car," "In My Life," "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" ... none were ever singles.

Music Row's stream-driven record companies don't seem to be that album-driven these days. Downloads are down what ... 25% overall? Cars coming out with no CD players.

You think the consumers are confused ... try to figure out what to do if you are an album-driven artist.

Back to the Musician's Hall of Fame ... It's the little museum that could. It's getting bigger, too! I got a sneak preview of the Jimi Hendrix section and the new Johnny Cash wing. It's a great place go see the Stones and buy the ticket that gets you in the Musician's Hall of Fame, too ... Plenty of Country faces, Motown, Orbison, you name it ... so cool!