Sorry, Shrew, but this just has to happen.On Monday, October 29th, Porter Wagoner passed away at the age of 80, from lung cancer.A fixture on the Grand Ole Opry for more than 50 years, Wagoner ushered Country Music into homes each week through the Porter Wagoner Show.His humble manner and audacious “Nudie” suits became synonymous with stereotypical Country Music stars.
Earlier this year, Porter Wagoner released a new CD, Wagonmaster, to critical acclaim.He also opened for the White Stripes’ Madison Square Garden concert in NYC.Here’s a clip from Letterman:
Albert Irvin, with Marty Stuart
TODAY’S TRIVIA:Fellow Nudie Suit aficionado, Marty Stuart, produced Wagonmaster.In typical Country Music fashion, Marty was Johnny Cash’s ex-son-in-law.
Likely Porter Wagoner’s most famous affiliation was with Dolly Parton.They were duet partners for several years until Dolly left Porter’s employ to pursue a solo career – a move that would cost her $3 million a few years later.They still remained friends and held mutual admiration for each other.
Run That By Me One More Time, with Dolly Parton
Porter Wagoner was an original.He never wavered from who he was and was proud to be a Country & Western icon.He embraced his fame, even when he was parodied and scoffed at.He was a mentor and teacher to younger singers and was a bit of a rebel concerning the music industry.
In 2006, he ended up signing with the ANTI- label, part of Epiteph Records, notably not located in Nashville, but L.A.Appears even “icons” aren’t immune to the music industry’s shackles.Here’s a quote from Wagoner on why he stopped recording in the 80’s:
“I stopped making records because I didn’t like the way they were wanting me to record.When RCA dropped me from the label, I didn’t really care about making records for another label because I didn’t have any say in what they would release and how they would make the records and so forth.”
A true legend, Wagoner’s impact on Country Music is significant and long-lasting.He will be missed.
Thanks to the few of you who actually listened and responded to my previous post. The artist is Reina Boone, is a Southern California singer/songwriter who recently chucked her day job to pursue her dream.
For me, Reina Boone is reminiscent of Feist and the similar reaction elicited by this group, when first exposed to her offerings. She went on to score a hit with 1-2-3-4 and a nice little gig with Apple, so there’s hope yet for Reina Boone.
Reina is utilizing all the tools available to her to independently promote her music. She’s playing open mics and everywhere else she can. She uses MySpace and blogs for dialogue and critiques of her music. She understands the power of “word of mouth” among the music community. She gets the importance of getting on the radar screen of college student/music aficionados and the “channels” they utilize to find out about new music.
She’s non-traditional and eclectic….not afraid to go the road less traveled….For instance, she records in the back of a van.
She’s gaining some traction and is playing pretty regular around lower California. This article from SqueezeOC.com gives some great information on Reina and her quest to be a self sufficient musician. Her 5 song Sampler evokes the sounds of Tracey Chapman, Cat Power and the great Grace Potter. Her husky voice is soothing in a Sara Mclachlan sort of way. I hear a bit of Sheryl Crow mixed with K.T. Tunstall.
Bottom line is, I like all of those gals — and I like Reina Boone.
My favorite among the samples is Sandman and it now gets regular rotation on my iPod. The quality is really quite good, considering that it was recorded independently, in the back of a van. I also like the acoustical nature of the music, particularly in Moment Defined.Los Trancos provides a great message in “stay true to your heart” and is another favorite among this quintet.
I like the music. I also like Reina’s moxy, initiative, and tenacity. While her music is still raw and could use a little polish, it’s good. Very good. I do think she appeals to a younger crowd but her style is very much what is appealing to the younger, college crowd. As with anything, the more you do something, the better you get and I think we’ve got a lot yet to see of Reina Boone.
I encourage you to go to her MySpace page and explore her music and her story.
Of the cities I’ve lived in, Memphis was my favorite. It’s just too far from “home” and from the water, but a great city. It’s on my mind.
Walkin’ in Memphis, Marc Cohn
I loved Memphis in May, The Pyramid, Mud Island, and The Redbirds. The people are inviting, genuine and eclectic. The skyline is dynamic and downtown has seen a pretty amazing transformation.
Memphis Skyline, Rufus Wainwright
Memphis’ musical history started with W.C. Handy, “King of the Blues”, and was elevated to new heights by Elvis Presley and Sam Phillips. Via Sun Records, Memphis produced Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and “The King” himself.
Memphis, TN, Chuck Berry & John Lennon
Memphis continues to be a “crossroads” from East to West, North to South, where music, good food, and great people meet.
I’ve Been to Memphis, Lyle Lovett
While different from Nashville in the type of music produced, Memphis is a “music” city….just a little more nitty gritty.
Music Makin’ Mama from Memphis, Hank Snow
A storied and turbulent history produces a spirit of perseverance there…an air of survival. It’s truly a Gateway to the Deep South.
My Heart’s in Memphis, Irma Thomas
From B.B. King to Stax superstars, Memphis has produced music that has shaped musical history with its wondrous “soul”.
Memphis Soul Stew, King Curtis
With fond remembrance of a great old, new city….I kinda feel this way:
Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again, Bob Dylan
My old friend, I recall
The times we had hanging on my wall
I wouldn’t trade them for gold
Cause they laugh and they cry me
Somehow sanctify me
They’re woven in the stories I have told
And tell again
My old friend, I apologize
For the years that have passed
Since the last time you and I
Dusted off those memories
But the running and the races
The people and the places
There’s always somewhere else I had to be
Time gets thin, my old friend
My old friend, this song’s for you
Cause a few simple verses
Was the least that I could do
To tell the world that you were here
Cause the love and the laughter
Will live on long after
All of the sadness and the tears
We’ll meet again, my old friend
Grace was in Mobile on Monday night…but so was the worst weather in months. Tornadoes, 6 inches of rain, travel advisories. I so hope that she didn’t go on as I was supposed to be there.
I’ve often referred to our old friend, Karma. You know….the old, “What comes around, goes around.” Well, last week Karma was alive and kickin’ and introduced herself squarely to LSU by paying back Kentucky for the “Bluegrass Miracle” five years ago. Kentucky enjoyed knocking off #1 until having to face the reality of the Florida Gators this past Saturday, although they hung tough. (Mark my words, folks. Kentucky is a GOOD team.)
Saturday, Karma showed up again, but this time on the side of the right Tigers…
Apt payback for last year’s rip off…
Now, to understand just how big LSU’s win over Auburn was, you have to understand the rivalry….and the substantial parity of teams of the SEC. There have been many close and controversial games between the two Tiger teams. The modern day rivalry started in 1988 with the re-alignment of the SEC, with the infamous “Earthquake Game”. Played at LSU against an Auburn team ranked #4 in the nation, LSU trailed Auburn 6-0 with 1:47 left to play. On 4th and goal, Tommy Hodson connected on a pass to Eddie Fuller to score the winning touchdown. The crowd eruption was so loud that it registered as an earthquake on the seismograph in the Geology department at LSU.
In 1994, LSU blew a 23-9 lead going into the 4th quarter to lose to Auburn 30-26, at Auburn. The next year in Death Valley, LSU won 12-6, assisted by a safety that Auburn QB Patrick Nix took when he heard an inadvertent whistle from the student section and quit on the play. Troy Twillie would intercept a pass in the end zone on the last play of the game to protect the win. I happened to be in a bar in Orange Beach, AL that night surrounded by Auburn fans. Ah, sweet victory.
In 1996, the old Auburn Sports Arena burned in the background of the stadium while the game played on. LSU intercepted a two point conversion attempt to beat Auburn 19-15 in a real “barn burner”.
In subsequent years, there’s been cigar smoking and jumping on the “eye of the tiger” by Auburn that provided ample motivation in fueling LSU’s passion in beating Auburn. After winning the National Championship in 2003, LSU was once again robbed at Auburn in 2004 by some “home cooking”. Auburn scored a touchdown late to tie the game, with an extra point attempt to go ahead. The kicker missed the field goal but LSU was called on a personal foul call because one of the defensive players landed upside down on the Auburn center. It is a call that was never before called and has not been called again since. Hmmmm.
Karma came calling again in 2005, when the “automatic” Auburn field goal kicker missed five…count ’em five, field goals to lose 20-17 to LSU in Death Valley. Robbed yet again in 2006 by a “home cooking” reversal of a pass interference/defensive holding call, LSU was the Karma recipient this year. A healthy spot on a 4th down play, and an escape from bad clock management at the end, the real Tigers live to fight another day.
Living in Lower Alabama, I take ample crap from Auburn and Alabama fans. I take great pleasure — all year long — in LSU victories over these erstwhile opponents. LSU is idle next week, sparing you from another rambling post on LSU football, but then face the Crimson Tide and ex-coach Nick Saban on November 3rd. Ranked #3 in the country, LSU lies in wait to get back to the #1 spot and controls their own destiny.
It’s great to be a Tiger fan today….an LSU Tiger fan.
Music Maven 