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Lonnie Ratliff Country Music Newsletter
March 15th, 2009

Number of Newsletter Subscribers: 7,284

=====================================
Spotlight Artist

Gene Watson

"Click" Photos & Logos below for Gene Watson Websites

.
__

________

Watson was born in Palestine (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palestine,_Texas ), Texas (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas ), in 1943 and began his music
career in the early 1970s, performing in local clubs at night while
working in a Houston ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston,_Texas
)auto body shop ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automobile_repair_shop
) during the day. He only recorded for a few small, regional record
labels until 1974, when Capitol Records (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitol_Records ) picked up his album
Love in the Hot Afternoon and released it nationally. The title track,
a mid-tempo ballad ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballad ) in 3/4
time, was released in June 1975 and it quickly reached Number 3 on the
Billboard magazine ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_magazine
)Hot Country Singles (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_Country_Singles_%26_Tracks ) chart.

Watson's national success continued throughout the late 1970s and
early 1980s, as he recorded several Billboard (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_charts ) top-40 hits, including
"Where Love Begins," "Paper Rosie," "Should I Go Home (or Should I Go
Crazy)," "Nothing Sure Looked Good on You." and "Farewell Party" which
was released in 1979 and quickly became Watson's signature song and
soon allowed Watson to name his band after the tragic ballad.

In 1982, after switching to the MCA label (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MCA_Nashville_Records ), he recorded the
#1 Billboard hit, "Fourteen Carat Mind." He followed up with several
more hits in the early 1980s, including "Speak Softly (You're Talking
to My Heart)," "You're Out Doing What I'm Here Doing Without" and "Got
No Reason Now for Going Home." By the mid-1980s, he was recording for
Epic Records ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epic_Records ), where his
most notable hit was 1985's "Memories to Burn."

Watson never gave up his classical country style, even as he
continued to record music throughout the 1980s. He signed with Warner
Bros. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warner_Bros._Records ) and
released two new albums in 1989 and 1991. He recorded From the Heart,
under the Row Music Group label in 2001.

In 2005, Watson released his album, "Then & Now."

In May 2007, Gene Watson signed with the independent Shanachie
Records & began work on his first album for the label, which includes
new material, along with 3 covers of some of Gene's favourite classic
country tunes such Merle Haggard's classic "Today I started Loving You
Again", a duet with Lee Ann Womack. Also featured on this album are
Vince Gill, Mark Chesnutt, Rhonda Vincent, Connie Smith and Joe
Nichols. The new album, 'In a Perfect World', was officially released
on Tuesday 25 September 2007. The duet with Vince Gill "Let Me Be The
First To Go" reached #1 on the HotDisc European chart. The US released
single "I Buried Our Love" reached #59 on the Music Row charts while
"A Good Place To Turn Around" (featuring Connie Smith) placed #4 on
the Gospel Radio Active chart.

It was also in May 2007 (Saturday 5 May 2007) that the (all new) Gene
Watson Site went 'live'. The site, which is owned & maintained by Sean
Brady, is based in the Republic of Ireland & receives full support
from Lytle Management in Nashville (Gene Watson's management team) &
Gene Watson himself.

In September 2007 "In A Perfect World" was released to great critical
acclaim. The album was received by the country music industry as being
one of the best recordings of the year. The Associated Press noted
"Like a well-aged whiskey, Gene Watson has gained smoothness yet
maintained his visceral bite...Watson can make contemporary songs
sound like timeless classics. He's never sounded better, which is
saying something." The Philadelphia Inquirer stated 'In A Perfect
World' is a stunning reminder of why the Texan is considered one of
country's all time great balladeers."

In 2009, Gene Watson has opened for Brad Paisley on his "Paisley
Party" tour and is working on the follow up album to the much lauded
2007 release.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you missed the NEWSLETTER where your favorite country artist was
featured just click on their names below where that particular
Newsletter is archived.

Amber Digby (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+453
), Arly Karlsen (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+946
), Becky Hobbs (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+1305
), Bellamy Brothers (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+488
), Billy Joe Shaver (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+77
), Billy Yates (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+552
),
Cindy Standage (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+1436
), Connie Smith (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+590
), Dale Watson (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+1176
), Darrell McCall (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+1082
), Dick Damron (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+1768
), Dolly Parton (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+612
), Erin Hay (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+1490
),
Ernie Ashworth (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+1597
), Gina Michaells (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+1252
), Heather Myles (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+1044
), Inger Nordstrom (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+633
), Jack Greene (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+332
), Jann Browne (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+799
), Joe Sun, (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+1102
) Joni Compretta (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+1212
), Lance Miller (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+1372
), LeRoy Van Dyke (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+873
), Mel McDaniel (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+1001
), Mike Anderson (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+1134
), Moe Bandy (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+1550
),Perley Curtis (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+1734
), Red Jenkins (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+106
), Rustie Blue (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+404
), Shawn Camp (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+524
), Shane Worley (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+677
), Stonewall Jackson (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+241
), Sunny Sweeney (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?NashvilleRecordProducer+88
)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

===============================================

"Click Banners Below"

____

"Click" PHOTOS DOWNLOAD i-Tunes Legal .99 cent Erin Hay songs
from all 4 CD's

_______________

Click BANNERS below for more Erin Hay Websites and Information

.... ... ........

Click Banner ABOVE --- The Circle CD___ The Collection CD___Bid on
Erin CD's EBAY

===============================================

===========================================

Note to anyone who is running any MUSIC SCAMS. I have worked real
hard getting this NEWSLETTER as well as this SONG PLUGGING service
together so if you approach any of these artists or songwriters with
anything that is not 100% legitimate I'll make you FAMOUS in the next
NEWSLETTER along with all the details of what you are trying to pull.
Lonnie

This service is here for Songwriters, Publishers and
Artistsconvenience and hopefully it will help everyone get together.
If you don't read anything else make sure you understand the
following. I (Lonnie Ratliff) have nothing to do with anything that
happens from this point forward. I get paid to get the artist and the
song together. If an artist hears a song they are interested in they
"click" the E Mail link beside the song they are interested in and
send an E Mail to the copyright owner (Songwriter or Publisher). It
don't go to me. You work out your own deal.
I will advise you to keep in mind that every song below is probably
from a different songwriter and they are all at different levels of
knowledge as to how the business side of things work. The same goes
for the artists that may be interested in the songs. This may be the
first time or one hundred times either the songwriter or artist has
gone through the process. We all need to remember to respect each
other and keep in mind you may need each other 20 years down the road.
Let's treat each other like professionals.
Don't be afraid to e mail each other and ask questions. They may
have different demos of the song, music tracks you can lease or use
for free or maybe they will help you with the promotion or have some
more songs they have written similar to the one you like. Every
songwriter will probably be different as to how they handle cuts.
Some will want you to pay the standard mechanical royalty and some may
let you cut their songs for free. There is no one way it is done.
Songwriters you need to keep in mind that the artist is cutting a
record for themselves, not another demo for you. If you happen to not
like the way they sung your song just be professional and say thanks
for the cut. You can make a big stink about it now and burn enough
bridges that you will never get another cut. Artists talk and have
long memories. Remember you are wearing the songwriter hat, not the
producer hat. You already cut the demo the way you hear the song but
not everyone is going to hear it your way. There is not a right and
wrong way to record a song just different opinions. As for the
artists if you want to change a lyric ASK PERMISSION FIRST. Believe
it or not there's a lot of songwriters, me included, who would rather
NOT GET THE CUT than have someone change their lyrics. Usually most
songwriters will not have a problem with a small change in lyrics that
makes sense but you need to respect them enough to ask first. If they
wrote one song you like they will probably write others you like but
if you make unauthorized changes to their lyrics they won't be
pitching them to you. It is all about respecting each other so keep
that in mind.

"Click" the "PLAY" logos below to hear these 10 original songs. For
artists this is a great way to get acquainted with the songwriter who
could end up writing the song that makes you a star. Don't wait until
2 weeks before you go to the studio to find the songs for your next
CD. Start looking now. If you are not looking for songs right now it
don't hurt to get to know the songwriters who write the style of songs
you like. In 7 days these song links will stop playing the songs so
don't wait around and lose a great song. Contact the writer by sending
them an E Mail. If you are just a fan of original songs it's OK to
send the songwriters an E Mail and let them know if you hear a song
you like as a fan.
Next week we will feature 10 more original songs. - Lonnie

Title Suitable for
singer Click to Play Contact copyright owner
============================================================================
1. Tequila & Coke
(Male)
brensterinmexico@...
============================================================================
2. Time Stands Still (Female)
jandtragsdale@...
=====================================================================
3. DID I HEAR YOU SAY 'I LOVE YOU?' (Male/Female)
ANEWCRY4FREEDOM@...
========================================================================
4. Watering Flowers In The Rain (Female)
devoreii@...
============================================================================
5. Sometimes Thangs Change (Male/Female)
edbentley@...
============================================================================

6. Tree In Front Yard (Female)
cindylaneadams@...

============================================================================

7. Sad And Broken Hearted (Male)
montanakody@...
============================================================================
8. Will You Be My Valentine (Male)
starpath@...
============================================================================

9. The Bible On The Table (Male/Female)
ANEWCRY4FREEDOM@...
=============================================================================
10. Teardrops (Male)
jandtragsdale@...
=============================================================================

Dial-Up customers "Click Titles" below to play songs.

Tequila & Coke (
http://www.soundclick.com/util/streamm3u.m3u?id=7394706&q=lo )

Time Stands Still (
http://www.soundclick.com/util/streamm3u.m3u?id=7402470&q=lo )

DID I HEAR YOU SAY 'I LOVE YOU?' (
http://www.soundclick.com/util/streamm3u.m3u?id=7400759&q=lo )

Watering Flowers In The Rain (
http://www.soundclick.com/util/streamm3u.m3u?id=7396064&q=lo )

Sometimes Thangs Change (
http://www.soundclick.com/util/streamm3u.m3u?id=7396057&q=lo )

Tree In The Front Yard (
http://www.soundclick.com/util/streamm3u.m3u?id=7396049&q=lo )

Sad And Broken Hearted (
http://www.soundclick.com/util/streamm3u.m3u?id=7402450&q=hi )

Will You Be My Valentine (
http://www.soundclick.com/util/streamm3u.m3u?id=7421198&q=lo )

The Bible On The Table (
http://www.soundclick.com/util/streamm3u.m3u?id=7400754&q=lo )

Teardrops

======================================================================

ATTENTION SONGWRITERS - Have your song featured above

Above is a SAMPLE of what I am offering for songwriters or publishers
looking to get someone to cut one of their songs.
The cost will be $10 and you can have exactly what you see with your
song replacing one of the songs above.
There will be a maximum of 10 original songs featured in each
NEWSLETTER and a maximum of 2 songs per NEWSLETTER for
each songwriter or publisher.
The songs will be playable for a minimum of 7 days and then the link
will stop working so I can upload new songs for the next newsletter.
Just send me an mp3 or CD of the song and $10. You can pay by PayPal
or just mail me a check.
I have no idea how successful you will be and will not make any
predictions but at $10 it has to be a good deal I believe.

You get your song title listed - People can "click" and listen to
your song - Artists can E Mail you if they want to cut it. I can buy
breakfast with your $10 at Cracker Barrel so this is a winner for
everyone.

Contact: Lonnie Ratliff NashvilleShowcase@...

====================================================

Artists make your music available to radio stations around the world
for free downloads through Airplay Direct. Only radio stations are
allowed to download from this website so it does not hurt your paid
downloads. Contact Gary Bradshaw for setting up a website for your
music (Reasonably priced).
E mail Gary at gbradshaw3@... or phone (602) 896 9910

Radio Stations "Click" on these artist names to see what music
they have available to radio free.

Allen Karl ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/allenkarl ), Cheryl K
Warner ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/cherylkwarner1 ), Cindy Lane
Adams ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/cindylaneadams ), Cindy
Standage ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/cindystandage ), Copperhead
Creek ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/CopperheadCreek ), Danny Griego
( http://www.airplaydirect.com/dannygriego )
David Cline ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/DavidClineTexasHoldEmAlbum
), Desi Hickman ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/DesiHickman ), Dick
Damron ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/dickdamroncanada ), Distillery
Dave ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/distillerydave ), Erin Hay (
http://www.airplaydirect.com/ErinHay ), Ernie Ashworth (
http://www.airplaydirect.com/ErnieAshworth ), Hal Willis (
http://www.airplaydirect.com/HalWillis ), Irma Young (
http://www.airplaydirect.com/irmayoung )
J. Gale Kilgore ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/jgalekilgore ), Jack
Blanchard/Misty Morgan (
http://www.airplaydirect.com/jackblanchardmistymorgan ), Jamie
Cutler Harper ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/jamiecutlerharper ),
Jerry Hill ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/JerryHill ), Jessee
Williams ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/JesseeWilliams ),
Jim and Linda Davis ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/heartsinharmony ),
Joni Compretta ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/jonicompretta ), Lana
Brown ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/LannaBrown ), Mark Chesnutt (
http://www.airplaydirect.com/MarkChesnuttAXBARWHPRecords ), Michael
B. Rowe ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/michaelbrowerowe ), Myrol (
http://www.airplaydirect.com/myrolmusic )
Paul & Helen Mateki ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/paulandhelenmateki
), Peggy Lynn ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/PeggyLynn ), Perley
Curtis ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/perleycurtis ), Ron Wayne
Atwood ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/ronwayneatwood ), Stephen
Shepherd ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/stephenshepherd ), Stonewall
Jackson ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/stonewalljackson )
Ted Snyder ( http://www.airplaydirect.com/tedsnyder )

WHP Digital Comp Vol 94 (
http://www.airplaydirect.com/whpcompilationvol94 )

====================================================

Picking Songs For Your CD

By

Lonnie Ratliff

This is a hard subject to tackle so I will just start out by telling
you how I find songs for the artist I produce. First off I get all the
politics out of the process. My job as a producer is to make the very
best CD or demo for the artist who is paying me as I possibly can. It
is not to talk the artist into cutting mine and my buddies songs just
so we will have another demo. I have about 400 songs that I have
collected over the years that I have a lot of faith in and about 30
Nashville songwriters that I put the word out to when I need material
so I have a pretty deep catalog to work from to begin with.

The first thing I do is ask the artist to E Mail me a list of about a
dozen or so songs they have heard in their lifetime that they wish
they had been the first one to record. This gives me a starting place
and I will then go through my pitch catalog and make up a CD of about
20 songs and send to them. On this first “Pitch” CD I do not send
them lyrics or tell them who wrote what. Not only do I take my
politics out in the beginning by sending them this blind CD they
cannot be influenced by anything other than the songs they hear.
Artist tend to want to cut songs by songwriters they have heard of and
I have also noticed they will tend to want to cut a song that I wrote
sometimes. They seem to think I may try harder on my own songs. I just
make sure they are not influenced by this by not telling them who
wrote what. This way they only listen for the best song.

As far as cutting songs by famous writers go the truth is, you as an
unknown artist, are NOT going to get the next “Hit” written by
whoever it was that wrote “Jesus Take The Wheel” . That writer
whoever it is can take his or her songs to the biggest artists in town
and get “cuts” by someone they know will make them a lot of money
so they can’t afford to tie up a song with an unknown artist. The
trick is that you have to find the songs and recognize them as
“hits” before some artist on music row does. One trick that is
good to learn is how to hear beyond the demo. Just because a girl is
singing the demo don’t mean a guy can’t record the song. If you
can just learn to hear beyond this it will give you a lot more songs
to choose from. You can also go back to the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s
and find some great songs that are album cuts on albums that had one
or two hits and eight other album cuts no one ever heard or if they
did they have long forgotten. You need to remember that Nashville was
going through their “We think we are “Pop” producers” during
this period so they will be soaked down with “Strings” and the
“Thousand Screaming Angels” background vocals. All you have to do
on your recording is drop all that trendy bells and whistles
production and replace the “A” Strings with one steel guitar track
and you can come up with a great new recording.

The one thing when it comes to songs, you will learn, is that the
better the song is to begin with the easier and cheaper it will be to
promote the record. Keep this in mind when looking for songs.

====================================================

=====================================

A GOOD OLD-FASHIONED NONCONFORMIST.

The moment you accept the proposition that success is impossible,
it becomes impossible.

Success in creative areas is more difficult to achieve than it was
twenty years ago,
but not impossible.
Here, I think, are some of the reasons...

THE MARKET.
As time passes, the market gains control of more of our lives.
It has always been a factor, but more so now.
.
Misty and I had to find backers to invest in our career,
the rough equivalent of $50,000 of today’s dollars.
We did this by creating something marketable, and waving it in their
faces.

MORE GOOD ARTISTS.
If you have ten people, one of them may be a genius at something.
If you have a million people, you jump the creative people up to
100,000.
If you have billions... well, you get the point.

You also get more idiots,
but that’s another article.

TRAINING.
In school and beyond today’s young minds are steered away from real
creativity.
The artist or inventor is by nature an outsider but was once admired
for his differences.
Today the goal is to be a “team player”... a corporate person.

BUSINESS.
There was more to Ray Stevens’ song “Mr. Businessman” than we
realized at the time.
Businessmen don’t get emotionally involved in art unless it looks
like a potential profit.
Music, Literature, and Theater have all suffered.

If you’re reading a book you’re not buying anything.
"People spend more on crap than on good stuff,
so let's give them more crap."

By “businessmen” I also mean women.
Being politically correct all the time is a pain.

PROPAGANDA.
The guys on top don’t want you to make it.
They spread discouraging propaganda like this:
“It’s impossible now. If only you’d been here in the old days.
Blah. Blah. Blah. Go away and stop threatening us.”

I know the music business has been screwed up by Mr. Businessman,
and today’s aspiring artists face a much harder challenge,
but it’s not impossible to have a career.
Don’t give up hope.

Boxcar Willie bypassed the entire radio and record industry,
and made himself a legend through creative TV ads.
He didn’t need major labels, or even hit records.
He found a new way.
Willie was a good old-fashioned nonconformist.

© 2009.

--
Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan...
Grammy Nominees... Billboard's Duet of the Year.
* * * * * * * * * *
* * *
Home page: http://jackandmisty.com
Myspace: http://myspace.com/jackandmisty
SoundClick: http://tinyurl.com/755b4w
CD catalog: http://elvinsystems.com/jm/catalog.htm

=================================================

====================================================

Do these 7,284 people in the country music business know about you ?

How many times have you said to yourself "If the right people knew
about me and what I am doing I bet I could get signed to a record deal
or maybe get one of my songs recorded by someone"
Nashville is full of stories of how artists and songwriters have lost
thousands of dollars trying to find a shortcut into the business.
There ain't no easy answers but there are a lot cheaper ways to get
your name out there. Here is a way you can at least let people in the
business know you are trying.m Just write a simple update about
yourself and what you are doing and I will include it in the next
Newsletter I send out. Now that alone will probably not be the answer
to all your dreams of stardom but I can guarantee it will do you more
good than sitting on the couch watching Oprah and wishing. And it
COSTS YOU NOTHING.
All you need to do is to put some thought into it and realize that
7,284 people in the music business are going to be reading it. If it
looks boring no one will remember it and you are back to watching TV
and wishing. If it stands out from the crowd a little bit a few
people will probably "click" on your website URL and go check you out
a little closer. You don't have to write like John Steinbeck or Mark
Twain you just have to make your half a dozen sentences more
interesting than the rest of the artists that submit an Update for the
Newsletter. You can do this every issue and never spend a dime.
Remember it is real easy to make your Update so lackluster no one will
read it but that kind of defeats the purpose. Spend a few minutes
working on it. You may not have thousands of dollars to spend on
hiring a promotion firm but you have access to a lot of people in the
music business who could help you out. It is up to you if you take
advantage or not.

To submit your Artist Update send to E Mail below (Don't Hit Reply)

Include you website URL if you want me to include it
E Mail me your Update to

NashvilleShowCase@...

================================================

Here's the Artist Updates for this NEWSLETTER

Be sure to submit yours for the next one.
It is OK to send an Artist Update every week if you have anything
newsworthy. Send in at anytime. Just put UPDATE in the Subject Line
of your E Mail and send to

NashvilleShowcase@...

========================================

Bill Littleton

A Farmer's Perspective

I get asked if I consider myself a writer, a painter, a musician, or
an actor; actually, I consider myself a farmer who tells stories, some
of which are best told with words or pictures, while others play out
best in song or make-believe. I've never depended on the land for a
livelihood, but I've never been far from those who do, and I've
grubbed my share of new potatoes without disturbing the roots full of
even new-er ones to grub out later. It takes a bit of practice.

My farmer's soul embraces relationships that may be quite urban, yet
I take comfort in the fact that, once upon a time,

Everybody lived in the country. So it's easy for me to imagine the
area between you and me as "new ground," space no one has occupied,
let alone worked, so nobody knows just what will grow there. Ah, the
mystery that awaits, as we dig and plow and pull, sharing the sweat
and joy of opening space conducive to moving freely, back and forth,
bringing new possibilities in new combinations, growing the best "us"
the "land" and our efforts will produce.

© Bill Littleton 2008

BillLittleton@...

There's always a chair with your name on it at Uncle Willam's Place
And you're welcome to hang out at
http://www.MySpace.com/BillLittleton (
http://www.myspace.com/BillLittleton )

=================================================

Dixon DeVore

Now have 132 Music Videos up on YouTube. As a Songwriter, I find it
pretty cool to see my lyrics come---ALIVE----"Visually."
http://www.youtube.com/DixonDevore

I also have 13 Albums out and listed with CDBaby.
http://cdbaby.com/all/devore

Dixon DeVore, Songwriter, Producer, Perfomer, Publsher, Indie Label
Owner
Cricket Power Records Internatinal/CPRi

============================================

=================================================

Gordon Ellis
Hey Lonnie, Everyone,

In January, I had my website completely re-designed, and I really
like how it came out. ?The url is still the same:
http://www.gordonellismusic.com

In addition to a new banner and page layouts, the Music Page now has
clips of 45 original songs that I have recorded over the past 25 years
(With of course, the opportunity for people to purchase the whole
song, if they want to).??

Unlike some websites that only play 30 second clips of a song (Which
is often not enough to know if you are going to like it), these clips
range from about a minute to as much as 3 minutes, so people can
really get a sense of the song. ?It was a lot of work editing them,
but I'm really proud of it. ?I hope you and others will check it out,
and sign the guest book. ?

Thanks for the opportunity to share.

Gordon Ellis
www.gordonellismusic.com ( http://www.gordonellismusic.com/ )

========================================

The Ricky Earl Band
Good Morning,

Just an update. The Ricky Earl Band just finished recording their
first
album. The album was done at the famous Rosewood Studios in Tyler,
Texas. We are looking at a release date of mid April 2009. We have
already been booked to appear at the Iron Horse Sports Bar, and the
famous "Peanut Festival in Grapeland, Texas in Ocotber". We have just

added one of our songs from the album onto our myspace at
www.myspace.com/rickyfarmer. Go check it out.

Jeanna L. Farmer
========================================

Barry P. Foley

Thanks Lonnie.

In August 2008, I left 35 years of Government Service and began to
pursue my life long ambition of performing music full time. After
moving from beautiful Stuttgart to beautiful Franconia I've logged
nearly 200 hours at the computer to get myself established in this
side of Germany (where I'm basically unknown).

My goal for 2009 to continue to work hard promoting my music through
live engagements and on international radio. As my gig commitments
start to slowly fill up and fall in place I hope to set up some
mini-tours rather than just driving to and from a show 400 miles away.

I released "Airport Love Story" to radio in October 2008 and it has
done respectfully well. I've hooked up with the great Mike McClain's
Studio in Garland Texas for producing my songs. My bud, Paul Mateki
has been with McClain for a number of years and I've always been
impressed with the sound Paul gets on record. My second song "Radio
On Trial" was released to radio in February, with follow-up releases
every 2-3 months. At this rate, I should have a new CD out in 2010!!

Barry P. Foley
American Singer, Songwriter & Entertainer
Burgunderweg 22
95233 Helmbrechts, Germany
Tel: 49-9252-25-1866
Fax: 49-9252-25-1867
Mobil: 49-173-361-5310

www.barrypfoley.com
www.myspace.com/barrypfoley
www.cdbaby.com/barrypfoley

"From Deep In The
Heart Of The Franconian Forest"

========================================

John Maines Jr.

Hello Lonnie,Im getting ready to release a new single out to usa
country radio at the end of march.The single is called I CAN'T STAND
off of my CD (OUTLAW RUNNIN WILD).I am working on a new CD which will
be out around may 1st of this year.John Maines Jr Website is
http://www.johnmainesjr.com

========================================

Howdy Lonnie,

Mike Anderson Country Drifter here just dropping a line or two to let
you know how much I appreciate your newsletter and all of the efforts
you put forth for your artists. I really enjoyed making my first CD
with you and look forward to my next. Not only were you great but your
musicians also! Anyway, your news letter is just the tip of the
iceberg as to what you do for your clients.

Been busy with the "Day Job" as usual and the crazy weather here in
the NW has kept me hopping. I've been busy also getting ready for one
of my favorite gigs each year. It's put on by Partners for Parks and
our band plays at a great park where a local fellow displays his
antique car collection. Thousands of people pass by and we always get
a great reaction to our music. This year we'll be playing a mix of
Country (my favorite), and 50's and 60's Rock and Roll. It's
definitely a highlight for me each year.

Till next time,
Mike

"It's Never Too Late To Follow Your Dream."

www.countrydrifter.com

========================================

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++\
+

On the trail of Hank Williams, Billy Joe Shaver, Tom T. Hall & Harlan
Howard

Demo Singer: Perley Curtis

Title: Skinny Dipping With Paris Hilton

Writer: (Lonnie Ratliff)
Okie Acres Music (BMI)

"Click" PHOTO to watch YouTube

======================================================================

I have always loved writing novelty and timely songs like most
songwriters. The trick seems to be making sure you write about
something or someone who will have a shelf life long enough to justify
all the work you put into writing and recording the song. I felt I
was pretty safe writing about "Paris" because I just knew she was the
type of person I could trust to always do something goofy enough to
keep her in the "News" and she has proven to be just what the
songwriter ordered.
I set the song in rural America playing off the TV show "Simple
Life" ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_Life ) that she and Nicole
Richie starred in. The biggest problem I had with writing the song
was to keep it from turning out to be soft porn which would have
limited the outlets for it. I finally came up with the idea of it all
just being a dream. In this setting as a dream it just became funny
which was always my intention.
Now, every time Paris Hilton does something outrageous and makes the
"News" I keep thinking Toby Keith or some other artist is gonna "cut"
"Skinny Dipping With Paris Hilton" and my wildest dreams will come
true just like the ole country boy in the song.
If you are a band out there playing the Honky Tonks I have included
the lyrics below so you can learn it and include it in your set list
if you like. If you decide to record it for your next CD just contact
me and I will fix you up with a mechanical license.
NashvilleShowcase@...

"Click" Link Below to play - SKINNY DIPPING WITH PARIS HILTON
lo-fi URL:
http://www.soundclick.com/util/streamm3u.m3u?id=5523126&q=lo

hi-fi URL:
http://www.soundclick.com/util/streamm3u.m3u?id=5523126&q=hi

Skinny Dipping With Paris Hilton

I was raised in hillbilly country
On cornbread and buttermilk
She was born with a silver spoon
Wearing clothes of the finest silk
Who'd of thought we'd get together
But opposites attract they say
When Paris Hilton went slummin'
It made this ole country boy's day

Now she was raised on fine French wine
White Lightnin' was a big surprise
When she tipped back that Mason jar
It took her breath and crossed her eyes
Then Paris got a little frisky
And a gentleman don't kiss & tell
What happened there on that river bank
You'll have to figure out yourself

I went skinny dipping with Paris
We jumped in the river nude
I was living ever redneck's fantasy
As my wildest dreams came true
Just me & Paris Hilton
Buck naked and soakin' wet
I went skinny dipping with Paris
Just how good can it get

(Bridge)
Well ever story has a moral every story has an end
Outside a rooster is crowing and .... I've been dreamin' again

I went skinny dipping with Paris
We jumped in the river nude
I was living ever redneck's fantasy
As my wildest dreams came true
Just me & Paris Hilton
Buck naked and soakin' wet
I went skinny dipping with Paris
Just how good can it get

I went skinny dipping with Paris
How lucky can one man get

Songwriter: Lonnie C. Ratliff
Copr. Okie Acres Music (BMI)
======================================================================

=================================================

Great store - Traditional Country - Steel Guitar CD's - Original
Western Swing CD's

"click bannder below"

===========================================

"Click" BANNER below

Listen to Nashville Nightlife
Internet Radio Station while
you read the NEWSLETTER
I do not program this station
so I can't put your song on it.

===========================================
NOTE from Lonnie - I always feel a little guilty because I never have
time to listen to mp3's new artists and songwriters send me,
unsolicited I might add. I hate it but I just delete them because I
finally figured out I could try to be a nice guy or I could try to
work and pay my bills. My banker had a very stern suggestion that I
needed to keep working and be a nice guy on my own time after all my
bills were paid. Turns out that spare time does not exist so I just
had to give up on listening to unsolicited mp3's, CD's and giving my
opinions and suggestions. Now I just concentrate on my music business
out of necessity but I figure I can give you some links that will
answer your questions better than I could anyway.

Here's some books available this week on EBAY
..........
========================================
Click Link to read old NEWSLETTERS
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive.php?NashvilleRecordProducer (
http://www.ymlp65.com/pubarchive.php?NashvilleRecordProducer )

====================================================

Featured Song
Artist: Stonewall Jackson
Title: Standing Invitation
Writers: (R. Hellard/B. Jones/C. Putnam)
Publisher: Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI)
Cross Keys Publishing Co. Inc.(ASCAP)
From the Album: Stonewall Jackson & Super Friends - A Tribute
Record Label: ETRS Records
click Links below to play "Standing Invitation"

lo-fi URL:
http://www.soundclick.com/util/streamm3u.m3u?id=7316692&q=lo

hi-fi URL:
http://www.soundclick.com/util/streamm3u.m3u?id=7316692&q=hi

Purchase at: http://www.ETRecordShop.com
Phone to buy CD 1 - 800 - 229 - 4288

Stonewall Jackson Official Website:
http://www.StonewallJacksonCountry.com

Stonewall Jackson on MYSPACEwww.myspace.com/stonewalljacksoncountry (
http://www.myspace.com/stonewalljacksoncountry )

====================================================

=================================================

===============================================

Lonnie Ratliff ~ Record Production~ 5 Songs

1. Cost for 5 songs is $3,750 (Three Thousand Seven Hundred & Fifty
Dollars). This includes Studio, Musicians, Etc! and you end up with a
mixed CD of your project. There are not a lot of hidden costs that
will be tacked on. The only additional costs I can think of would be
$150 if you want us to Master it for you before it goes to your
pressing plant. (Call me and I can explain Mastering to you) The other
thing that could cost you later is that you might have to pay
songwriter royalties if you have recorded someone elses songs and are
gonna include it on your CD to sell. (Example = If you want to record
a George Strait song or a Taylor Swift song then you will have to pay
a royalty to use that song) I can help point you in the right
direction to obtain a license from the Harry Fox Agency (
http://www.harryfox.com/public/songfile.jsp ).

2. For those artist who are new at this, Production is just about
getting your songs recorded and ready to be made into CD's that you
can sell. I don't press up the 500 or 1000 CD's for you but I can
recommend Karen Bruno at Amazon Audio ( http://www.amazonaudio.com/
)who can take care of everything for you. I believe it costs about
$1500 for a 1000 CD's. A lot of the artists I produce will cut a
couple of 5 song sessions with me and then put them together and press
up a CD they can sell and get their money back.

3. First thing we need to do is figure out if we can work together
and come up with something we can both be proud of. You can listen to
the artists I have produced (Click Here) (
http://members6.boardhost.com/SongReviews/ ) and get an idea of what I
do. If you are a decent singer and I believe we can make a respectable
recording then I will probably be glad to work with you.

4. Deposits & Payments: The first thing required is a $200 deposit
and once that is paid we can start putting together your session. I
will help you find the songs if needed and will arrange them for you
using any ideas you may have. Once we find the songs and have picked a
date you send me the balance of $3,550 at least 2 weeks before the
session date and I book your session at a studio on Music Row. I
normally use Dixiana Studio (
http://nashvillecdstore.hypermart.net/Joni_Session.html ). We will cut
the basic tracks and overdubs there and then cut the final vocals,
harmonies and mix at Smokehouse studio.

5. The Band normally will consist of Bass, Drums, Rhythm Guitar,
Piano, Steel Guitar, Fiddle, Dobro, Electric Guitar & Mandolin. If I
believe a particular song calls for a specialty instrument I will use
it and there is no additional charge. I do not try to cut corners by
taking short cuts on the musicians we use.

6. Original songs. I have about 200 songs in my Music Publishing
Company that you are welcome to use (Royalty Free) if you are using
them on any project I produce.

7. Time it will take to record. Figure that it will take about 3 days
in the studio. If you are on a tight schedule you're part will be over
in two days. First day we cut the tracks with a scratch vocal and the
second day you will sing your final vocals. I figure you will have up
to 45 minutes to sing each song.

8. Practice Guitar tracks if needed. If you think you may have
trouble singing any of the songs you pick and do not play an
instrument I can record and send you an acoustic guitar track of the
song so you can practice it before you come to Nashville.

9. Final thoughts. Keep in mind that you are hiring me to make you
sound good and I take my job very seriously. I will do my best to see
that you have a good time in the studio. I work with some of the best
studio musicians in Nashville and they will do everything in their
power to make the best recording of your music as possible. Feel free
to E Mail any of the artists I have worked with (Click Here) (
http://members6.boardhost.com/SongReviews/ ) before and ask them any
questions you may have about working with me. Once you have paid your
deposit I am on your team and you can call(615) 742 0666and ask me any
questions you have and I will try my best to give you an answer.
Probably half of the artist I work with are recording their first CD
and have a lot of questions so don't be embarrassed to ask about
anything you don't understand.

I look forward to working with you and hope I can be a part of your
musical future.

Lonnie Ratliff

http://www.NashvilleCDStore.com

( mailto:NashvilleShowcase@... )
===============================================

Buying a house in Nashville ?

If you are thinking of moving to Nashville and need to buy a house I
recommend you get in touch with my buddy Craig Stahl.
Some of you will know Craig from his 13 years working with Alan
Jackson and also as my partner in Okie Acres Music & Studio.
Give him a call when you need property in Nashville or sign up for
his Newsletter
I hope you enjoyed our first issue of Roadie Real Estate.com. Please
email me your thoughts and suggestions. If you liked it
please hit the forward e-mail button at the bottom of the page.
Please visit my website at www.RoadieRealEstate.com (
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=8jdziecab.0.rguiddcab.iwlxrccab.36&ts=S0278&p=http%3A%2F\
%2Fwww.roadierealestate.com%2F
)I would love t
o help you buy or sell your next home or help you with any of your
Real Estate needs. If you are not moving anytime soon,
please keep me in mind to be of service to friends and family. I
really appreciate your referals.

Craig Stahl "The Roadie Realtor"
615-578-9175
rocksolidproperties@... (
http://www.ymlp65.com/controlpanel/rocksolidproperties@gmail.com )

======================================================================

( http://www.myspace.com/nashvillerecordproducer )

Dixon DeVore http://cdbaby.com/all/devore (
http://cdbaby.com/all/devore )

Imprinters To The Stars Since 1985

Since 1985, we have been imprinting and/or embroidering apparel,
pens, cups, keytags, mugs, Tote Bags, Equipment Stickers, CD Carrying
cases and thousands of other products for Bands, Artists DJs and
Promoters. We have our own in-house art department and can take the
simplest idea and morph it into aneffective, multi-color design.
You'll wow 'em in Vegas!
We know The Music Business.

==================================

Artists release your songs worldwide on

Gary Bradshaw's WHP Compilation.

.

.

=======================================================================

Artists if you need a little help getting your latest record off the
DJ's desk and
on to their turntable you might want to contact Sherry.
She speaks the DJ's language fluently.

**************

Artists looking for someone to help you with your CD Cover artwork,
printing and pressing your CD ? Check with Karen Bruno at Amazon Audio

****************
=====================================================================

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