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Lonnie Ratliff Country Music Newsletter

July 6th, 2009

Number of Newsletter Subscribers: 8,205

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Spotlight Artist

Lindy Gravelle
"Click Photos for Lindy's Official website & Lindy's new CD"

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.

"Click" Logos below for more Lindy Gravelle Websites
====================

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If two NEWSLETTERS a month are not enough of Lonnie's information,
music, wit & humor for you well you are now in luck. Sign up for a
direct line to the source.

_____________

I am not a real social butterfly on the internet so don't get your
feelings hurt if I don't return hugs & roses or join in all the
raindeer games but I will try to post something relevant to the
independent country music business as often as I can. - Lonnie

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Underneath The White Flag

Relationships between a father and son come in all sizes, shapes and
forms and are probably one of the hardest emotions a son will ever
have to deal with in his life and when he does figure it all out, if
he ever does, it is usually too late to do anything about it.

I can’t say I am an exception to the rule but an off the cuff
statement from my co-writer Tom Mitchell who it turns out pretty much
shared the same relationship with his father as I did mine led us to
write “Underneath The White Flag”

As was the obligatory thing to do by Nashville songwriters at the
time and probably still is we were sitting around ripping apart the
current hot artist on the “Row” and discussing how he was doing
everything wrong as far as we were concerned. The “Hot Artist” at
that time was Paul Overstreet and we pretty much agreed we thought his
songs sounded like fairy tales and just a little bit too much fluff
for our taste.

Tom said “If you believe ol Paul everyone’s father was this great
philosopher spitting out words of wisdom but I don’t remember it
that way at my house. “ I just laughed and said “Tom, did you ever
hear these words at your house ? “As long as you live under my roof
you’ll do what I say” Tom just laughed and said “Now that sounds
more like what I remember. We ought to write that song” so we did.

We set the song up so it sounds like you are listening in on a
telephone conversation between the father and the son but you are only
hearing the son’s side of the conversation.

We never got a “Cut” on this song but I have heard that writing
songs can be therapeutic and I am sure the truths we uncovered about
ourselves and our respective fathers while writing “Underneath The
White Flag” would have cost us a lot of money if we had been lying
on a couch telling our story to some psychiatrist for a hundred bucks
an hour.

_______Hi-Fi___________________Lo-Fi (Dial-Up)_______________

"Underneath The White Flag"

Hey dad I'm glad I got you on the phone
I just called tonight to say I'm coming home
I know it's not Christmas and nothing's wrong
Except something that goes back a long, long time
I just realized I'm older now
Than you were the day we drew these battle lines

Let's not start another argument that's what this whole trip's all
about
I'm driving in tonight dad tomorrow you and me will work this out
I'm not gonna try and change you, you know you can't change me
But we don't have to change to do what's right
That day we burned our bridges dad
We both left folks we love on either side

(Chorus)
I'm coming home underneath the white flag tonight
With an olive branch in my left hand a white dove in my right
Well bury this old hatchet and save the family tree
We can't replace the past now that it's gone
But we can face the fact that we're both wrong
And It's been too long Dad I'm coming home

(Bridge)
If someone wants to say I love you
They're gonna get a real good chance
But if that's too much for the both of us
Maybe we can just shake hands

(Repeat Chorus) (Repeat Chorus to fade.......)

Lonnie Ratliff / Tom Mitchell

Copr. Okie Acres Music (BMI) Yabut Music (BMI)

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"Click" the "PLAY" logos below to hear these 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 up to 10 more original songs. - Lonnie
Title Click to play
For Singer Contact Copyright Owner
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1. Wouldn't Be Enough
Female jdavidstillman@...

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2. Barefoot And Ready
Female EDWARDBOBBY1@...

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3. Onion In My Stomach
Female majorcowproductions@...

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The Bridgeworks
Bill Littleton has worked to advocate arts education in the public
schools since his own college days and now, thanks to Print On Demand
technology, he's gearing up for a major thrust. Furthermore, YOU can
be a part of the fun; details are in the new edition of TheBridgeWorks
at
http://www.UncleWillamsPlace.com
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GETTING TO KNOW KRISTEN CLARK

Kristen Clark
http://www.myspace.com/kristenclarkmusic

1. Where were you raised up and where do you now work out of. Are
you from a large city, small town or out in the country ?

I am being raised in the country near Peterborough, Ontario, CANADA.
Peterborough is the hub, but there are several small towns on the
outskirts of Peterborough so I'm living the country dream, but am only
a short drive into the city!

2. Have you recorded any CD's. If so what are the titles and where
can someone buy them ?

I have been fortunate to be able to record several CDs. When I was 7
I recorded a 3-song demo CD of my own originals called "Kisses To
You". It was a snapshot in time of my own co-writes called "Hold Me
Tenderly", "Kisses To You" and "Where's Daddy". They were a reflection
of what was going on in my life at that time, after all I was only 7
years old!

I recorded an album of 10 country cover tunes called "Grand Ole
Classics" with songs such as "Blue Moon of Kentucky", "I Want To Be A
Cowboy's Sweetheart", "Coal Miner's Daughter", "Daddy's Hands" and
"Lovesick Blues", etc. I recorded the classics because that is what my
fans kept asking me for at the live shows.

After recording "Grand Ole Classics" I started writing more singles
and have released a couple of them to Canadian radio, one being a
Christmas song I wrote in remembrance of a man named Mr. Bob Smith,
who pretended to be Santa every year and anonymously went around the
town of Havelock giving out gifts. Then he passed away from Cancer.
Many of his friends picked up the pieces and started an organization
in his honour called the "Smitty's Christmas Wish Foundation". His
memory lives on and many seniors, children and needy residents are
given the gift of Christmas due to this organization. I organized a
2-1/2 hr. benefit show for this organization and presented/sang the
song to Bob's wife Norma. We raised $925.25 for the organization. The
name of the song is "For The Magic of Christmas" and is now the 'theme
song' for the organization and will be used every year to promote it.

I've written several other singles for various reasons. "I'm Missing
You" is about my brother who I miss SO MUCH who has moved to the other
side of the country! I wrote "I'll Fly Away" as a message that no
matter how insignificant in the world you think you are, you can
become something beautiful given enough time and patience. My latest
single is called "When You Said Yes" which was released to radio
stations Canada-wide on April 1, 2009, and is of course about a
boyyyyyy, who shall remain NAMELESS LOL!

My earlier CDs are only available at my live shows, but my latest
singles "I'm Missing You", "I'll Fly Away" and "When You Said Yes" are
all available for digital download on CD Baby and iTunes (and others).
You can also connect to CD Baby through my myspace page
www.myspace.com/kristenclarkmusic.

3. What is your main outlet for live performances ? Nightclubs,
Festivals, Linedance Clubs,

My main outlet at the moment is festivals, fairs and private
functions. I am doing my very first wedding this weekend also! That
should be so much fun! I'm singing 6 songs, one of which will be "From
This Moment On" by Shania, when the bride comes down the aisle. That
made her cry at the rehearsal last night. It was so beautiful....

I'm also doing a mini-concert at a birthday party this fall!

4. Who would you say are your favorite country artists ? Major
Label

My favourite country artists are The Roadhammers-Jason McCoy (hands
down!), Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, Gretchen Wilson, Brad Paisley
and Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride

5. Who would you say are your favorite country artists ?
Independent Label

Veronica Ballestrini, Jason McCoy of course, Misty Lee Olsen, One
More Girl, Dry County, Codie Prevost

6. What is the highest profile "Gig" you have ever played ? Did you
open for Garth or The Beatles ? Play for the Queen or at the White
House ?

Well there have been a few, I played at "The Fuel" in 2008 at
NixaCountry's "World's Largest Fan Club Party" during CMA Fest! That
gig was broadcast worldwide and a friend of ours from Canada was
listening on-line while I performed, then sent us a text-message to
say that my performance sounded awesome!

I opened 2 years in a row for Carroll Baker who is a Canadian country
legend, at a cancer benefit called "Angels Among Us". Also on the bill
was Mr. Don Helms, who played for the original Hank Williams Sr. I was
so nervous I almost threw-up!!! I sang "Angels Among Us" by Alabama.

The largest venue I played was the Peterborough Summer Festival of
Lights in a special Canada Day show. There were between 5,000-10,000
people there because it's an outdoors park beside a lake. I was
fortunate to be able to play with the band that recorded my "Kisses To
You" album!! I was only 8 years old, but it was the show of a lifetime
for me. There was also fireworks after the show....

7. What is the most personally satisfying "Gig" you have ever played
? Disaster benefit, Uncle Joe's 100 year birthday party, hospital,
old folks home etc!

I would have to say the "Smitty's Christmas Wish Foundation" benefit
that I hosted myself. It was called "Kristen Clark presents...A
Magical Country Christmas". Bob (Smitty Santa) gave me a gift at
Christmastime when I was just a baby. To create and host a benefit to
raise money for his charity (after his death) was my way of giving
back to someone who so graciously gave to me. There were many tears of
remembrance for Bob that night that gave the entire community of
Havelock a sense of togetherness. I am very proud of that! And Santa
was there too LOL!

8. What is the most obscure CD sale and/or fan you have ever heard
from ? Sold a CD in Russia or Got an E Mail from a soldier in Iraq
Etc!

I've had many fans contact me from overseas, one from as far away as
Australia and one from Africa. At times I have to use an on-line
translator to be able to talk to some of them.

9. What is your favorite 3 songs you have recorded and also your
favorite 3 cover tunes you sing at gigs.

I would have to say that my 3 favourite songs that I've recorded are
"I'm Missing You", because it's about my brother, "For The Magic of
Christmas", because it captured the memories of a real person, and
"When You Said Yes" because it's a more recent recording. My earlier
recordings were when I was only 7 and 10 years old so these latest
ones are more recent with a more mature voice.

My favourite 3 cover tunes I sing at gigs are "Love Story" by Taylor
Swift, "Redneck Woman" by Gretchen Wilson and "Black Horse and a
Cherry Tree" by KT Tunstall. Even though Black Horse is not a country
song, I get to use my loop pedal to record tracks over each other to
'build-a-band' right on stage. It's really difficult to do but very
crowd-pleasing.

10. What do you see on the horizon for your career in the next 12
months ? Recording a new CD or going on tour to Switzerland etc!

The only thing I see on the horizon at the moment is more writing. I
need to build a catalogue of songs so that when the opportunity comes
to record another album, I'll have a stockpile of songs to choose
from!! I've met a couple of really fantastic songwriters that I'm
going to team up with, so my writing will develop better. Writing by
yourself is fun but tough, so by adding someone else's input you can
sometimes make the song that much more appealing to the masses.

BONUS QUESTION BELOW - Use this space to ASK YOURSELF A QUESTION &
THEN ANSWER IT. I probably forgot a good question that your fans
would like to have the answer to so give it your best shot.

11.

Well, when people ask me what artists I feel I'm a cross-between, I
seem to answer more and more -- The Roadhammers (Jason McCoy) and
Avril Lavigne....huh? Jason McCoy because of his real-to-life lyrics
and awesome rockin' country sound, mixed with Avril Lavigne because
her lyrics are spilling over with real life attitude!!
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Lonnie's Cracker Barrel Special For Country Singers

The Ads below are this week's featured country artists. If you are
interested in purchasing one of the
slots below in a future NEWSLETTER contact Lonnie about a Cracker
Barrel Special Ad.
NashvilleShowcase@... (
http://us.mc559.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=NashvilleShowcase@comcast.net
)

For those of you not in on the insider joke about this being called a
"Cracker Barrel Special" the reason is that Lonnie spends all the
money you pay him for these ads eating at the Cracker Barrel
restuarant.

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Texas 114 Contact
pcms24@... Website www.myspace.com/texas114
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Maria Benham Contact: mariabenhammusic@... Website
www.myspace.com/mariabenham2 ( http://www.myspace.com/mariabenham2 )
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Original songs available from Nashville Songwriter - Lonnie Ratliff

Redneck, Alabama -- (Male)
__________________________________
hi-fi (Broadband/Cable) ____________________ lo-fi + LYRICS

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Leaning On A Rock That Never Rolls -- (Female)

__________________________________
hi-fi (Broadband/Cable) ____________________ lo-fi + LYRICS

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Dagger In The Rose -- (Male)

__________________________________
hi-fi (Broadband/Cable) ____________________ lo-fi + LYRICS

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Sissy Sing That Song -- (Female)

__________________________________
hi-fi (Broadband/Cable) ____________________ lo-fi + LYRICS

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===
Just "Click" on the yellow speakers above to hear the songs. If you
hear something you would like to record just E Mail me at
NashvilleShowcase@... and I can fix you up with a Mechanical
License at the current statuatory rate (Normally between $40 & $100).

If you are looking for a particular type of song just E Mail me and I
will check my catalog and see if I have what you need. Also remember
if you are looking to record a CD be sure to check out my references
and prices. ("click" Banner Below)

E Mail NashvilleShowcase@...
=========================================================
Obituaries for June 25th, 2009

Sometimes death has a profound effect on us and the date, place and
events surrounding it can be seared into our memories forever. For my
generation the catch phrase to survive was "Do you remember where you
were when John F. Kennedy was killed" ?
Do you suppose June 25th. 2009 will have the same effect on today's
generation as the Kennedy assination ? I doubt that it does but
undoubtedly it is an important day that perhaps we should all
remember. With that in mind I will run this obituary of June 25th,
2009 and hope you will take a few moments to think about these
people's lives and realize just how important their time on earth was
to all of us.

Credits to the author Kimberly Rockdale for making the following
available.

Obituaries -- June 25, 2009

On June 25, 2009 the world lost the presence of some very special
people that made adifference in this world. Their contributions were
profound, and will reach forward for many generations to come.

They will be missed.

Gladys Elina Davidson April 15, 1917 - June 25, 2009 Gladys passed
away peacefully at Eden House Care Facility, Eden Mills on Thursday
morning, June 25, 2009 in her 93rd year. She was the beloved wife of
the late John L. Davidson (1964) and the dear mother of John W.
Davidson of Acton and Jessie and her husband Howard Gibson of Guelph.
Gladys was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church (Acton) for over fifty
years, actively participating in the Senior Choir and the Alert
Evening Ladies' Group. She was also very proud of her membership and
involvement with the Lakeside Chapter of the I.O.D.E., Acton.

Wilbert H. Smith, 87, Spottsville, passed away at Deaconess Hospice
Care Center in Evansville. He was a retired farmer and rural letter
carrier. He was a member and deacon of Reed Community Church. He was a
member of the Rural Letters Carriers Association, the American Legion
Worsham Post No. 40 and the Elks Lodge No. 206 in Henderson. He was a
World War II U.S. Army veteran.

Frank E. Costanzo, 97, of Scott Township, passed away. He was the
beloved husband of the late Augustine Eleanor; He was a graduate of
the University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering and he was an
active member of the Alpha Phi Delta fraternity, holding all offices
including national president. Mr. Costanzo was a WWII Army veteran and
had been employed as a corrosion engineer with Columbia Gas.

Jamestown resident Maxine “Mackie” (Simmons) Pope died at a
Sonora hospital. She was 78. Mrs. Pope was born in Drumright, Okla.
Her hobbies were baking and spending time with her five children. She
worked as a sheriff’s dispatcher in Fresno County and in the Fresno
City License Department as well as the State Board of Equalization.

Former Mi-Wuk Village resident M.C. Jasper Speaks died after a long
illness a Monterey care facility. He was 89. Mr. Speaks was born in
Milburn, Okla., to Charlie and Hettie Jones Speaks and lived his early
years at Hollis and Indiahoma, Okla. In 1942, Mr. Speaks married Una
Rippetoe and joined the U.S. Navy Seabees. He was shipped to the U.S.
Naval submarine base on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. In 1945, his
family was able to join him in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. After his
honorable discharge from the Navy, Mr. Speaks settled in Littlefield,
Texas, where he worked for a Ford dealership. Before he retired in the
early 1980s, he bought a second home in Mi-Wuk Village. He enjoyed
spending his time there fishing, playing cards and dominos with his
friends. Before he became ill, he enjoyed salmon fishing, crabbing,
traveling in his motor home and visiting family. Mr. Speaks always
enjoyed telling stories about his younger days of breaking horses,
driving hardtops at the Salinas Speedway, and building engines for
racecar drivers Johnny Key and Elmer George.

Eloise Edgemon, 83, resident of Ooltewah, and formerly of Cleveland,
Tenn., passed away at a Chattanooga hospital. She was retired from
Central Soya as an executive secretary. She loved her family and
friends. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends and her
beloved pet dog “Molly”.

Erma Louise Pittman Ellis her new body and heavenly reward when she
departed this life. She passed away at Raleigh General Hospital in
Beckley following a sudden illness. She made her home at Cranberry for
nearly 60 years. She was known in Raleigh and surrounding counties for
her music ministry on WOAY TV and Radio and was part of the Skelton
Trio. Louise sang with the trio and individually at more than 2,000
funerals over a span of 50 years. She lovingly shared her music to
comfort families during their time of sorrow. Louise enjoyed playing
her guitar and working in her yard and garden.

Velma L. McCallister Walton, age 80, of Alderson, West Virginia, died
at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke, Virginia, following a
sudden illness. Born July 1, 1928, at Alderson, she was the daughter
of the late George Gates and Frances Burns McCallister. Mrs. Walton
was a former employee of the Kellwood Corporation at Maxwelton, and
was a mother and homemaker. She was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed
gardening, Find-A-Word puzzle books and sewing. She also enjoyed
spending time with her family and loved her children, grandchildren
and great grandchildren.

and so on, and so on...
=======================================================
Gordon Ellis's Songwriter Story

Gordon Ellis
www.gordonellismusic.com

I was born in New York City--hardly the country music capital of the
world. We didn't even have a country station when I was a kid, so I
was influenced more by 50s and early 60s rock'n'roll. A lot of that
music had country roots however, so I guess I was primed for country.
I was initially influenced more by singers than writers (Orbison,
Elvis, Jay and the Americans and others with big rangy voices), as I
loved to sing even before I started writing, and we often didn't know
who wrote the songs, anyway. I wrote my first song at age 14--it was
pretty generic rockabilly.

My earliest songs were so personal, that I never shared them.
Gradually, I expanded to make them more universal, and though you
wouldn't necessarily know it from my writing today, two of my earliest
influences were Paul Simon and Neil Diamond (Neil though, only after
he started writing real stuff like "Brooklyn Roads" and "Shilo").
They made me realize how important lyrics are. I wound up going to
college in Norman, Oklahoma, where I started listening to more
country. I was unconsciously influenced by the simple yet elegant
writing of Harland Howard (although it would be years before I knew
who he was) and later, Bob McDill--one of the most literate writers
I've heard.

I eventually moved to California for my own personal growth, rather
than music, but the two went hand in hand. My songs became even more
universal and real. I had a band called Gordon Ellis and the All
Night Ramblers, doing mostly my own tunes, but the Bay Area was not a
hotbed of country music either, and most club owners only wanted to
hear covers, which wasn't my passion. After I let go of the band, I
concentrated on my writing and joined what is now called West Coast
Songwriters Association. They brought in publishers and producers
from LA and occasionally Nashville, to critique songs each month, and
I learned a lot from them. I also eventually learned to balance their
critiques with my own intuitive knowing of what works--you have to do
that, because everyone has an opinion, and you can wind up chasing
your tail and re-writing your songs forever, if you aren't
discriminating. I won several songwriting awards in the Music City
Song Festival during that time, though never a grand prize, and was
even a male vocal finalist in the Nashville Talent Search in San Jose,
where I got to meet Bill Anderson, who hosted the show for regional
television.

I started getting more and more songs picked up by publishers in
California and from Nashville, some of them got signed, and it
encouraged me to move to Nashville in 1990. Since then, I have had
numerous songs signed with publishers, a few of which have been held
on to, but never cut, and I have had several independent cuts, though
not a major cut so far.

I have written with #1 hit writers like Gerald Smith (who wrote "What
Part Of No") and Jon Robbin ( who wrote "I Guess You Had To Be
There"), but my best songs have either been written alone or with very
talented "unknowns" like Marty Rainone, Carol Hashe, and Bill
Warrington, to name a few. It's not who you write with, but how
compatible you are that counts. Marty and I have over 70 songs we
have co-written! If I had to name a favorite current hit writer that
I would love to work with, Brad Paisley is at the top of the
list--talk about original ideas!

I am still a performing songwriter, have been featured from time to
time at writers nights here, and recently, had my website,
gordonellismusic.com re-vamped. I have about 50 song clips on that
site, and of course info on how people can purchase those songs, if
the want to.

I am grateful to be living in such a great and close-knit music
community as Nashville--there is nothing like it anywhere else.
Thanks for the opportunity to share my story.

Gordon
=======================================================

INSPIRATION COMES SECOND.

I write a lot of songs and stories,
so I often get asked where my ideas come from.

Ideas are easier to find when you're looking for them.
I keep an eye out all the time.
Everything in my life, every conversation, and event,
is filed somewhere in my head under “Possible Song or Story
Ideas”.

Ideas are easier to find if you're looking for them.
I write down a million little notes and lose most of them,
like a crazed squirrel hiding nuts.

Then at a later date,
when I've completely forgotten about them,
my crazed squirrel nuts show up unexpectedly
in an old loose leaf, or in the back of a drawer.
Sometimes they're better, or worse,
after staying away from them for a while.

I had writer's block for a long time. It was terrible!
I even went to a hypnotist.
I read all the self-help books,
and finally found one thing that helped me out of it.
This is what it said: "Inspiration comes AFTER action."

It took a while for that to soak in.
What it means to me is this: Don't wait for an inspiration.
Start writing first and the inspiration will follow.

At first I had to write pages and pages of crappy stuff,
but then it started to come together, if I let it.
I may have to dump my original idea,
and let myself get sidetracked onto something else.
Usually I don't know how the story will end
until it does.

I almost always write the title last,
because I find that sticking to a title idea is confining.
The original "great phrase" often stays somewhere in the song or
story,
but it loses top billing along the way.

I heard that writing every day makes it easier,
and I like easier.
This one turned out to be true.
It helps me.

Back to the original question about where my ideas come from.
Other than having a habit of looking for them,
I have no idea.
(The puns are always intended.)

Every single time I finish a story or a song,
I think it's going to be the last one I'll ever write.
That's because I don't know HOW I do it.
Not a clue.

I just start.

Jack Blanchard

© 2009.

--
Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan...
Grammy Nominees... Billboard's Duet of the Year.
HOME PAGE: http://jackandmisty.com

BROWSE OUR CD CATALOG HERE: http://elvinsystems.com/jm/catalog.htm
BUY OUR CDs HERE: http://birdwalk1.tripod.com/jandmorder.htm

SoundClick:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_music.cfm?bandID=69863
YouTube: http://youtube.com/jackandmisty

MySpace: http://myspace.com/jackandmisty
=======================================================
Click on PHOTOS below to play demos produced by Lonnie Ratliff

Kenny Chesney
Demo

Click Photo to Play
Garth Brooks Demo

Click Photo to Play
Shawn Camp
Demo

Click Photo to Play
Jack Greene
Erin Hay / Duet

Click Photo

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

Dave Younger's Songwriting Story

I was mainly a working bandleader who wrote songs when the muse was
upon me. My bands were always Country, and most of the time we were
heavily influenced by Western Swing. Most of my history is connected
to having been a working musician who needed those gigs to keep the
wolf away from my doorstep.
I started writing when I was a tyke, sometimes getting a good' un.
First song I wrote of any note was "It's Real". I performed that song
and others at a sold-out one-man show when I was 19. Thought I was on
my way. Life intervened..and responsibility..
In my 20's I met and befriended Bob Wills' daughter Rosetta. We
co-wrote a song called " God Bless You Honey" that she later put on
page 137 of her biography of her dad "Bob Wills Remembered".
Meanwhile, I was workin' at music business in my part of California.
One stretch, my band played over 700 gigs in a 2 year period. In 30
years I was never out of work for more that 2 weeks.
I wrote songs for two albums...other people's money, other people's
vision..my songs, my voice, my face, their money. Album #2 led to a
European tour being scheduled. We were set to do 30 cities in 27
days..the little label I recorded with got into a dispute with the
promoter about advanced copies. The argument was over pennies and had
I known at the time, I would have paid the damn money myself. While
they were arguing, the tour went to another band from Texas. I found
out when my buddy from New Braunfels called all excited to tell me
that his band was going to tour with me...turns out, his band was in
and mine was out.
Another time, a big park in Koln, Germany called Phantasialand
offered me a one-year contract and my representative was 15 minutes
late getting the paperwork to the venue. He stopped to get a shower
after his flight from here to there. A Canadian band got that gig. The
act that had been in the gig previously..the act I would have
replaced..had made over 2 million just on the marketing!
I never moved to Nashville, though countless people told me I
should. I had small daughters who needed their Dad..Now that they're
grown I can see that I chose the right way. Children don't ask to be
born, and once they're here, a father's ambition has to be for them
first.
Came mighty close to getting a deal with major labels on two
occasions. Won't say which labels and won't tell you which two
superstars were signed #1 and #2 in a batch of new artists...#3, the
one who didn't get signed, was yours truly.
After my second divorce, I got into co-writing. First with Bo Roberts
"First You Cry". Next I restarted my collaboration with my Oklahoma
buddy Bill Hail. We've written 30 songs and counting. One of those
songs "What I Wouldn't Give" is in the award-winning movie "Like
Dandelion Dust". Kinda cool to see yer name on the big screen!
One of my favorite collaborations was with Lonnie Ratliff. His words,
my music. The song is "Grampa's Silver Dollar". I have high hopes for
this one!
My day job for the last few years has been teaching Jr. High Special
Ed. Currently, I'm teaching in Stockton, California..the city listed
by Forbes as the least desirable place to live in the U.S.! Can't
figure out why..Stockton ain't ALL bad! Believe it or not, this is a
really cool job..I sometimes feel like I'm in a position to make a
difference...and the folks I work with are phenomenally dedicated,
talented people.
In my time, I got to open a show for Willie (he's about the most
gracious individual I've ever met in this business), Johnny Paycheck
(a little less gracious, but MAN was he talented), Pam Tillis (angelic
being), Mel Tillis, Highway 101, Eddie Raven, Moe Bandy, Johnny
Lee...one thing about Country artists...they're all real folks, all
good to their fans and supporting players..no prima donnas in the
bunch.
My future...I'd like to keep writing with my current co-writers, I'd
like to continue to grow and to develop new writing partnerships, I'd
like to finally have time and money at the same time so I can make
pilgrimages to Country Mecca (that's Nashville, folks!)..I'd like to
keep helping struggling kids to find their footing...and this
afternoon, I'd like to saddle up Lucy and Gus and take a ride along
the Mokelumne River Gorge with my sweet Sue.
Some of my work is on
www.Myspace.com/youngerhailsongwriters and
www.myspace.com/youngerhailmusicpublishers
=======================================================
Getting to know Casey Dilworth

1. Where were you raised up and where do you now work out of. Are
you from a large city, small town or out in the country ?
I grew up in Northwestern Minnesota, on a small farm. I lived
with my Dad, Uncle, and my Grandmother, since my parents divorced.
I do not care what they say, things are not the same once the parents
divorce, for whatever reason, but, that is long ago now.
As I said, I grew up on a small. farm, never really thought about it
much then, but, it is a very good way to grow up, but, you just do not
realize it at the time.
We did not even have electricity till I was about twelve or or so,
hard to imagine that these days.

We live five miles away form town, but, that town was only about Four
hundred people, probably less these days, have not been back in
awhile.
So, I guess you could say I had humble beginnings, but, I think I may
be better off for it.

2. Have you recorded any CD's. If so what are the titles and where
can someone buy them ?

The first two cd's I released, I record at home, on my own equipment,
and except for the drums, I had to become a one man band.
They are instrumentals, and so, they are quite different from my
singing cd's..

Then I decided one day, and my wife helped me decide, that I should
make a cd of my singing.
Well, when you are sitting in your home in Minnesota, quit a distance
from Nashville, where do you start that process.
So, I had to do the inevitable Google searching for a studio, of
which there are a few, but, which ones are the good ones?
I finally ran across a studio called SoundControl Studio, located on
Music Row, in Nashville.
What really got me on that studio site was the introduction by Porter
Wagoner saying that if you wanted that Nashville sound, gives Mark
Moseley a call.
We listened to that a few times, listened to the samples they had on
the site, and decided that was the one, if it was good enough for
Porter to put his name on it, it must be Okay.
I also called Lloyd Greene, who told me that Mark was one of the good
guys. That was all the recommendation that I needed, Porter and Lloyd.

3. What is your main outlet for live performances ? Nightclubs,
Festivals, Linedance Clubs,

I currently am not doing any live performance, at least not yet.
I have talked with a few local musicians, to see if we maybe could
get something going, but so far, no developments.

4. Who would you say are your favorite country artists or ones who
have influenced you the most ? Major label & Independent label
artists

As far as influences, we all have to I think, that we have had many.
I would be willing to bet there is probably some of everybody I have
ever listened to seriously in my singing.
When I was growing up and first learning to play I wanted to sing
anything and everything that Johnny Cash ever recorded, and probably
did sing them all.
Then after for I think I got into Jim Reeves, such a smooth singer,
and kind of different songs for a country singer.. Maybe someday I
will do a Jim Reeves cd, Mark thinks I should.
I think after that, I was into the rock side for awhile, you know,
you do and play what you have to, not what you want to, when you are
in a working band, so that is what we did.
Then came the Waylon and Willie era, and Merle Haggard and George
Jones, so it was us doing all there stuff.
So, I think I have been influenced for singing by many different
singers, all of which are better than I ever will be.
As far as guitar goes, I would never have even played guitar I do not
think, were it not for Chet Atkins.

5. Who would you say are the people who have supported your career
the most so far ? Maybe a family member or best friend, club owner,
songwriter, promoter, record producer, record label,
boyfriend/girlfriend, DJ, etc!

the biggest supporter of my music, so far, has to be my wife, Lola.
She goes along with about anything I want to do musically, you cannot
be that.
If fact, truth is it was largely here idea for me to record the two
latest cd I made.

6. What is the highest profile "Gig" you have ever played ? Did you
open for Garth or The Beatles ? Play for the Queen or at the White
House ?

I guess I have played in many sports, but, never what most would
consider a major spot, probably the largest was the Calgary Stampede,
at the Army and Navy club which would have been a couple of thousand,
so nothing really big.

7. What is the most personally satisfying "Gig" you have ever played
? Disaster benefit, Uncle Joe's 100 year birthday party, hospital,
old folks home etc!

Personally satisfying from me was always weddings, and church social
events as far playing.
The crowds are generally well behave, sometimes not, but usually, and
the event itself has good purpose to it, as opposed to the bars, which
all they really want is noise to dance to.

8. What is the most obscure CD sale and/or fan you have ever heard
from ? Sell a CD in Russia or got an E Mail from a soldier in Iraq
Etc!

As far as what I would call odd sales in my opinion, or sale I never
expected to get, I sold a couple songs to people in Thailand, and
China,
Then a art company or something like that in Singapore is using my
song "That's The Way It Goes" top promote their art site.
I guess I would have to say that is not something I would have
expected, but, the Why Not?

9. What is your favorite 3 songs you have recorded and also your
favorite 3 cover tunes you sing at gigs.

On my first cd "Vagabond Dreamer" nearly every song on their would
have to be considered a favorite. They are also songs I had sang at
many gigs in the past.
ON the latest cd one of my all times favorites got in included called
"Looking For A Place To Fall Apart".
More and more though, I try not to pick a favorite, and only have
songs on a cd that I like period.

10. What do you see on the horizon for your career in the next 12
months ? Recording a new CD or going on tour to Switzerland etc!

I guess over the next year, or so, I will be spending my time
promoting "That's The Way It Goes, as a single, and as and album.
We are looking into possible doing a European tour, but, nothing has
been finalized as of now, so, something are being planned.

After that, the prep work starts for the next cd, already working on
some of the material for that one.

In conclusion I would like to say Thanks to anyone who may be able to
enjoy at least something I may have done, and to all the radio
stations that may be playing something I recorded.
We need each other to make this thing work, and I appreciate what
everyone has done, or will be doing.
Thanks to listeners, we are in this because we like to sing, but, we
also like it when we can see that you are enjoying yourselves as you
listen us.

Thanks To Everyone

Casey Dilworth
www.caseydilworth.com
http://cdbaby.com/cd/dilworth4
http://soundsofsoothing.com/
http://cdbaby.com/cd/dilworth5
Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet." -Roger Miller
=======================================================
=======================================================

www.willcoxmusic.com

1. Where were you raised up and where do you now work out of. Are
you from a large city, small town or out in the country?

I was born in MemorialHospital in Houston, Texas. I now work in
Houston, Texas, for Harris County Sheriff’s Department. I am a
senior deputy sheriff. I have made my home Cleveland, Texas. It’s
about 30 miles north of Houston and definitely in the country.

2. Have you recorded any CD’s. If so what are the titles and
where can someone buy them?

Yes, I have three CD’s. Wanted Man and Wanted Man (2) and
Christmas Songs. They can be purchased thru my web site.
(willcoxmusic.com) or CD Baby.com or down load from I Tunes.

3. What is your main outlet for live performances ? Nightclubs,
Festivals, Linedance Clubs,

My main outlet for performances is retirement centers, VFW’s
and party’s.

4. Who would you say are your favorite country artists or ones who
have influenced you the most ? Major label & Independent label
artists

My favorite country artists are Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, George
Jones, Keith Whitley, Merle Haggard and several others, from the
“Old School”.

5. Who would you say are the people who have supported your career
the most so far ? Maybe a family member or best friend, club owner,
songwriter, promoter, record producer, record label,
boyfriend/girlfriend, DJ, etc!

My friend Charlie Gray, who is now deceased, supported me the most
and he also wrote some of my songs.

6. What is the highest profile "Gig" you have ever played ? Did you
open for Garth or The Beatles ? Play for the Queen or at the White
House ?

The biggest event that I have played is the Texas Children’s
Festival in Cleveland, Texas last year. Roy Head was the headliner.

7. What is the most personally satisfying "Gig" you have ever played
? Disaster benefit, Uncle Joe's 100 year birthday party, hospital,
old folks home etc!

The most satisfying gig was the Heights House in Houston, Texas.
This is one of the retirement centers I play for. In fact, every time
I play and sing, it is very very rewarding. In May, I sang two songs
at Huey Long’s 105th birthday party in Houston, Texas. I was very
pleased to have been a part of this party. He was the lead singer for
a group called The Inkspots, back in the 50’s and 60’s.

8. What is the most obscure CD sale and/or fan you have ever heard
from ? Sell a CD in Russia or got an E Mail from a soldier in Iraq
Etc!

I gave a CD to a fan when I played at a Masonic Lodge Christmas
party last year in Huffman, Texas and the lady was so excited, you
might have thought that I had given her hundreds of dollars. I have a
fan in Italy, where my song Final Dance has been number 2 on the
internet charts for about two months, he signed my guest book. He
invited me to come to Italy and play for them.

9. What is your favorite 3 songs you have recorded and also your
favorite 3 cover tunes you sing at gigs.

I have myself and James Dousett in my “band”. He plays guitar
and sings to give me a break. I sing with my CD’s as a band and
sometimes we sing together. Some day we would like very much to have
more band members.
=======================================================

=======================================================
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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.ymlp73.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.

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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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