We Are Family … 100%

Losing Mickey Gilley and Naomi Judd within a week was tough. Both gave us plenty of good music and were memorable individuals. Dolly Parton spoke at the memorial service for Naomi. This got re-quoted the most of everything she said, and it’s so true:

“We are family. And when it’s family, you forgive them, for they know not what they do. When it’s family, you accept them because you have no choice but to. When it’s family, they’re a mirror of the worst and best in you. You’re always trying to do your best, and they always put you to the test, and you pray for God to do the rest.”

Glad Naomi made it into the Hall of Fame. Sad that Mickey Gilley has been passed over so far. He should be in the Hall of Fame for many reasons, including his music, and the most famous Country dance hall ever (Gilley’s in Pasadena, TX), also the subject of the Esquire article that spawned the “Urban Cowboy” movie.

The bias expressed by the Hall of Fame folks over the years is mind-boggling. Ray Charles and Pete Drake should have entered decades ago. It’s been 10 years of catch-up lately, with great people going in.

Looking ahead, why not do a special ceremony to induct those who are dead and just level the playing field? You won’t hurt the stature of the Hall putting in John Denver, Keith Whitley, Johnny Horton and Charlie Rich. Tree publisher/producer Buddy Killen, too. Let’s go back to when Eddy Arnold was put in. Get a few of the new eligibles and step out to get The Eagles! Has anyone been more influential the last 40 years? I think not. Make some news, and get some great international press.

Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley and, yes, Shania Twain – all four have made their mark. Don’t make them wait until they get Social Security to enter the Hall. It’s silly. And yes, put Steve Turner in there now.

Someone take charge and let’s get some post-Covid momentum and excitement about the Hall of Fame, along with the Grand Ole Opry, Country’s greatest treasure. And while I’m on a roll, have the Hall operate the now-shuttered Ernest Tubb Record Show, and buy WSM-AM radio from Ryman Hospitality Properties. Base it inside the Hall of Fame and make it nonprofit. The Opry can be granted X amount of time per week, or some combination. AM radio, well, it’s not in its best days. WSM-AM should have never gotten rid of its FM. Very dumb move.

Was driving through downtown Nashville last weekend. Is this really what the Country music wants as its face and image? Except for the branded nightclubs, how Country is that lower Broadway strip anyway? Garth Brooks’ club may be 100% Country coming up, but I hear not a lot of the “pure Country” spewing out of the other venues’ doors and windows. Just saying.

Country radio is sure in a mixed message mode. You read the various columns and forums on All Access, and you get 360 degrees in advice. Are Country stations located in Anytown, USA supposed to be local or not? Is the out of town syndicated morning show the anchor for a local station? Sometimes it’s like watching the Russian army in Ukraine, not all marching in the same direction.

Really was bugged by the Mickey Gilley death. When you tell people he’s not in the Hall of Fame, they are sadden and surprised. Please stop doing that!

Garth is heading to Buffalo. His shows are historic every week. The Brooks & Dunn tour is getting great feedback. Kenny Chesney is in the stratosphere. What a spring! Tim McGraw is all fired up, too.

Really hoping for a non-Covid summer. Covid creep is around New York and Boston. Willie Nelson and others have been canceling shows recently because of it. Be careful out there. Get that fourth shot. Read this week’s report.