Enough Sad Songs ... PLEASE

Just survived Tin Pan South ... a fantastic multi-day songwriter get-together in Nashville. Never heard so many depressing songs in my life ... back to back ... one after the other. Whew ... from miscarriage to normal girl left me stuff..

Each was finely crafted and performed, but I wanted to jump off the Cumberland River Bridge after each show.

I know the sad ones make up a foundation of Country. But wow ... If they weren't singing about cherry wine on her lips or whiskey, it was another topic of loss or despair.

A little rain is good, but a lot of rain makes your roof leak. I pray radio or someone will control the despair. From $4 dollar gas in Chicago to Iraq to three of not my favorite choices for the Presidency to Lt. Commanders in the U.S. Navy moonlighting as hookers for the DC Madam ... the world is really depressing enough. Someone HAS to take another view!

Checking someone for ticks never felt better! Chesney's Buffet songs sure sound good. Garth ain't going down until the Sun comes up ... Hoo-Rah!

Newcomer Tom Stipe from Tuscaloosa promises me he will try to remain sadness-free. He even has a NASCAR song called, "Vrooooom." That's the ticket!

The Judds have been booked into this Summer's Calgary Stampede ... they are playing a festival in California in May, too ... Interesting.

Carrie Underwood's personal life may be not as good as she would like but, heck, you can't have everything. Suffer a bit, Carrie, and save all this money roaring into your bank accounts. She's got revenue flying in from every possible stream. Seven million CDs now sold for that first album! Who ever does that and in these times?

10 years, 10 #1s, same label, same humble star. He's richer and married and a father, but Brad Paisley is still the same guitar-playing crazy kid he was in 1998.

Go to my website at www.askjimmycarter.com and you will see his thank you speech at his 10th anniversary party this week. Humble, talented guy!

Jewel the latest judge named for "Nashville Star" cranking up in June. Did that show on CBS stink or what? I hate it from Clint Black, but "Secret Talents of the Stars" was cancelled within 48 hours of its debut...

Disney announcing their new films for the new few years in their animation department: Cars # 2, Christmas 2012. Bet some Music Row people on the call to get music in this film!

"American Idol" pulling heartstrings and kicking off a female favorite all in the same week. Michael Johns from Aussie land did not make it ... not a good fan decision ... he will make a record deal!

Dolly Parton in Sweden, NYC and San Diego in the next few months...the new James Brown ... hardest working woman in show business.

Look for Billy Bob Thornton on the road with his band the Boxmasters this summer. No Nashville, which is odd, BUT lots of west and Texas and NY/PA stops. See Billy Bob's website:www.billyBobPaloopza.com

Blue Angeles in Nashville this weekend ... saw their practice and going back ... I will not be humming anything sad songs.

Come on, boys and girls ... Don't Worry, Be Happy Now!