Better Late Than Never

While on a photo shoot in a National Wildlife Refuge, my phone started to light up. It was the CMA surprise Hall of Fame announcement. Three excellent choices, with the Hank Williams, Jr. choice 20 years overdue.

Dean Dillon, Marty Stuart and Hank Jr. are all great ambassadors of Country music. Marty especially has been the go to star for perspective. Ken Burns helped showcase Marty in his important love letter to Country in his 2019 film on PBS.

Have you seen the Dean Dillon documentary, “Tennessee Whiskey.” I saw it on one of the streaming channels and, like the Burns/Stuart love letter, Dean’s story played like a great Country song. Go find it if you missed it.

Hank Jr. is a chip off the old man’s block. Junior earned his way into the Hall but has been too hot to handle at times. Most of us have Hank Jr. stories. He is the Country boy that did survive! How do you follow the legend of Hank Sr.?

Hank Jr. defined Country music at times: “All My Rowdy Friends,” “Are You Ready For Some Football?” His Hall of Fame absence was beginning to look foolish.

Getting into the Country Music Hall of Fame should be tough. Yes, there are some make goods still ahead, but for now three great picks are going into the Hall.

Did you the Rolling Stone story on Nashville? It wasn’t pretty. The virus has and is expensive to Music City is so many ways. A billion dollars in lost revenue from tourism and conventions is just a starter.

Dan + Shay just announced their tour dates and they begin in September 2021, more than a year away.

This year is hard to get your arms around. Fear is one of the four letter words that comes to mind. Positive energy is badly needed. Maren Morris giving $70,000 to a local high school for the band was a good start. A dozen of Country’s stars seem to be doing most of the heavy lifting. Where are the rest?

No need to name names, but the silence from some of the stars is a weird career approach. If you were ever needed to brighten up the world with your personality and music it is now!

Get back on Zoom, brainstorm and get on the air and back in front of the fans. Summer is almost over, and you are needed back in the game!