My
fellow author
DANIEL J. LEVITIN believes that RODNEY CROWELL, one of the inspirations for
Levitin’s
latest book, Successful Aging: A Neuroscientist Explores the Power
and
Potential of Our Lives, at age 69, is “doing
the best work of his career."
****
You didn't see this reported elsewhere, but, on the January 11, 2020
edition of HUCKABEE, JOHN RICH revisited JASON OWEN's role in virtually
single-handedly ousting program host, former Arkansas Governor MIKE HUCKABEE from a position on the CMA
Foundation's Board of Directors; this before the ink had dried on
the
news release announcing Huckabee's selection, with nary a reaction,
then nor since, from Owen's clients, KACEY MUSGRAVES, FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE and DAN + SHAY.
Huckabee used the TV program that bears his name to address the matter
himself, back on April 7, 2018, when he told his audience: "I got booted off the CMA Foundation Board because my
faith conflicted with some people in the music industry who were
anything but tolerant of my faith and certainly didn't think diversity
was all that good of an idea."
Rich's assessment? “I
think it’s a terrible comment” [on] the CMA...
They wanted to have a program where they put music in the hands of kids who otherwise
would not have that opportunity, which is a great thing to do. And
they invited you to be on the Board. But
because people on the CMA Board disagreed, some
of them, not all of them, but some disagreed with your political
leanings and ideas, they ran you out of town on a rail, didn’t they
Governor?"
Huckabee responded,
"Yeah, I
think that’s a fair way to say it.
Yeah.”
John continued, "And let me tell you
why that is so disappointing to a country singer. I’ve spent my whole
life making country music. Music’s
not supposed to be political. Music
is for everybody. This is what’s wrong with our country right now. We
have got to start focusing on what we have in common and let that be a
bridge over our differences. And
if we don’t this is not gonna ever fix
itself."
****
MARCUS KING entertains at a late-night greets
album release show at Nashville's Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge January
17, 2020. The even coincides with the official release date for
King's El Dorado album.
****
We'll
have to wait until June 12, 2020 for the release of KREE HARRISON's Chosen Family Tree, but LORI
LOUSARARIAN is coordinating "a special album previewing listening
event... January 16th at 3rd & Lindsley" at which Kree will be
performing songs from the album.
More good news: While the album's original January, 2020 release date
has been pushed back and while, at this writing Amazon, has yet to post an update reflecting the
correct release date, a company rep assures me that Kree's fans who
want to be among the first to receive copies of Chosen Family Tree are still encouraged to place
advance orders here.
****
BETTY FOX BAND entertained a private,
invitation-only CD release party at the 6th floor BMI theater January
9, 2020. Betty and her powerhouse trio wowed the crowd with their
multimedia and live performance included several songs from the
Florida-based genre-defying group's new album, Peace
in Pieces.
KISSY BLACK
(with the assistance of DAN
HAYES) arranged a wonderful afternoon (Report's shout out to SIMONE!), that concluded with a Q-A
session and parting gifts for attendees.
Look for my review of Peace
in Pieces
(recorded at the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama) here
shortly.
****
Having
just been re-elected Vice-President/Programming (by acclimation) of the
Jewish Genealogical Society of Nashville (serving
alongside the JGS' Vice-President/Membership, acclaimed songwriter SAM LORBER), I'm impressed to learn that country
stars JOSH TURNER and LIDDY CLARK share Sam's and my interest in family
history.
Josh has been known to research his family's roots at the Franklin, Tennessee stake while Liddy reveals
that, according to Clark's grandmother,
Liddy's family tree includes POCAHONTAS. (Eat your heart
out, ELIZABETH
WARREN!)
Liddy credits the revelation with her interest in music; a love that
began when Clark sang Colors of the Wind at her school's talent show in
tribute to the famed Native American colonial settler.
****
Does presidential candidate MICHAEL BLOOMBERG love bluegrass music?
Bluegrass was the official entertainment when the presidential
candidate appeared at a Woolworth on Fifth campaign rally coinciding with
the grand opening of Bloomberg's Nashville presidential campaign
headquarters. Bluegrass was also a staple during Bloomberg's New
York City mayoral campaign rallies.
****
I'm pleased to be an occasional Reader's Digest contributor. The publication
most recently solicited my take on an article title Trivia Facts Only True Southerners Know.
