tag:donnabeasley.com,2005:/blogs/blog?p=5Blog2021-09-26T12:17:35-05:00Donna Beasleyfalsetag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60839122016-08-19T14:04:03-05:002019-12-16T10:30:37-06:00When
<p><span style="color:#222222">For nine years I have worked a part time job in Downtown Nashville. My position has now been cut. My place of business has decided to move me to a sleepy area out West, not far from the sleepy area I have called home for the past year and a half. I won't miss witnessing the daily demolition of the history and funkiness we've come to know and (sorta) love. I won't miss the sheer chaos that has become driving down 4th Ave. I won't miss the dreaded sea of cowboy boots and sweat known as Fan Fair/CMA Fest every June.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color:#222222">But I am truly saddened to no longer call myself a "Downtowner." Sad to leave my building which looks out over the famed Ryman Auditorium and honky tonks of Lower Broad. Sad that I will no longer walk the streets and be greeted with the hellos and smiles of other Downtowners who know and (seem to) like me. I will miss the random summer ice cream give-always! I will miss the awesome Peanut Shop and Dunn Bros' excellent mochas. I will miss some super nice co-workers I've called friends for the past nine years.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color:#222222">Most of all I'm sad to close that chapter in my life where I was young and cute and knew it was cool to be living and making music in East Nashville before a tv show told me it was. My mother was still with me. I had a waistline. And my day job Downtown was the LAST thing on my mind.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color:#222222">Thanks for the memories. I'm working on being somebody else now. We'll say we knew each other when.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"></p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60839112016-07-19T12:30:33-05:002021-09-26T12:17:35-05:00Hello from the other side
<p>Wish I could steal that title (and voice) from Adele. I am emerging after the gut punching couple of years that were 2014 and 2015. I have new music in the works and a new band. Stay tuned for news about those exciting projects! </p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60839102014-11-11T07:21:17-06:002020-01-10T17:32:58-06:00Insurmountable
<p>That's what I should call my record, 'cause that's certainly how it seems. Getting together this evening with our good friend (and even gooder bandmate), Scott Neubert, at his Studio 19. Going to rework some of my older songs in a bluegrass vein to pitch them to some of the bluegrass artists and musicians we know. It's forward progress. Onward ho. </p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60839092014-07-14T15:17:25-05:002019-12-16T10:30:37-06:00MY "Begin Again"
<p>First a Taylor Swift song by the same name, now a movie called “Begin Again.” That’s the problem with having an idea and just sitting on it for a few years. I remember when, just before putting out my first record that I had spent 2-3 years making, someone else released a cover of “Love My Way.” I was SO disappointed.</p>
<p>Some sort of zeitgeist happens and sometimes you find yourself a part of that. Obviously, my song called “Begin Again” will not have the exposure that Taylor Swift does or that of a major motion picture. But the few (and greatly appreciated) folks that WILL hear my song will probably wonder if I was influenced (to put it nicely) by these other incarnations of the same title. I was not. I began writing that song probably around 2012.</p>
<p>I wrote the song because of trying to stay on a workout schedule and/or a diet and/or whatever new old thing that you think is going to bring you happiness and make you like yourself more. The wagon. And the wagon is GREAT, until you fall off it. But you get back on. Oh, you DO get back on, only to fall off again. And again. And again. It’s pretty damned depressing. But the human spirit’s answer? Begin again. And again. And again. </p>
<p> </p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60839082014-04-15T06:30:37-05:002019-12-16T10:30:37-06:00Funk aka existential crisis
<p>Going to try playing out a little bit - writer's nights, what have you - and see if that pulls me out of my funk. </p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60839072014-02-09T15:23:14-06:002020-01-10T17:32:58-06:00Feel Like a Number (I'm not a number)
<p>Trying to work through it, people...the self-doubt, the self-loathing, the Seasonal Affective Disorder I think we all get to some degree this time of year. Tonight I applied for a second part-time job. Feeling like a cog in a wheel these days much more than an "artiste." Screw all that bloated sense of self-importance and all the blah-blah-blah "my life is so wonderful and my independent music career rocks" bullshit that everyone on pedals on social media. Sometimes life sucks (even though we all have SO much to be grateful for if we'd stop our belly aching and count our blessings) and I'm just too honest to disguise that fact. BUT!!!...we listened to some more of the record last night and it's got some pretty tasty tracks. So, there's that. </p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60839062013-09-09T15:36:42-05:002020-01-10T17:32:57-06:00Luxurious vs Survival
<p>Geez, I cannot get motivated to work on this record. It seems insurmountable. Maybe that should be the album title: Insurmountable. Mom has been really sick, in and out of the hospital. Life itself is just too much right now. Making a record seems like such a luxury. I'm not in luxurious mode. I'm in survival mode. It feels like I have something really special here, and that makes me fear it all the more. It could be great - if I sing great vocals, if Tom plays great guitar parts, if we make great production decisions? TOO MUCH. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/430244/df9035e8bc7bf164b120fc99612c82060f4ee873/original/donna-medium.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ3OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="donna_medium.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60839052013-07-24T14:47:29-05:002019-12-16T10:30:37-06:00New Release News
<div class="notes">
<p>We are recording 6 more tracks for my third release on August 20th. Very excited!!!</p>
</div>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60839042013-06-29T04:54:07-05:002020-01-10T17:32:56-06:00Music Sandwich
<p>What a week! My part-time job of the past 7 years changed locations and my mom had surgery. She came through fine. I somehow managed to sandwich all that stress with a Pat Benatar show at the beginning of the week and an all-star bluegrass show at The Station Inn on Friday night. Blows my mind that I can get within spitting distance of Jerry Douglas playing dobro.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/430245/23601ec39d19aaef2190401bf2a0cdaa68febc7d/original/998996-10200308654495118-1396231230-n-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDYwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="998996_10200308654495118_1396231230_n_resized.jpg" height="600" width="600" /></p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60839032013-05-18T15:22:08-05:002019-12-16T10:30:37-06:00Too-Much-Information Age
<p>I am an artist. But I am not much of a self-promoter. And I am not much on social networking these days. I don't know where we're going with this all bragging, politicking, and gut spilling that we've become so accustomed to doing and reading. We all feel this way sometimes, right - the need to unplug? I realize that it is music career suicide to fail to engage. Maybe after a break I will enthusiastically rebound. Maybe once the record gets underway I will be so anxious for people to hear it that I will take to the digital mountaintop to shout about it. Bear with me while I make music and recharge my battery.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60839022013-02-25T15:37:49-06:002019-12-16T10:30:37-06:00Round Two
<p>Finished the Vocal Tech I class and am beginning Vocal Tech II tomorrow. I'd like to be putting this money directly toward making the record. But this is a vital investment towards this record, all future records, all future gigs, my well being, my self esteem, and my sanity! These classes have been life changing for me. Here's a video of my vocal coach working with Wynonna, with a link to the accompanying article in Nashville Arts Magazine.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La1LjV14Bc4" data-imported="1">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La1LjV14Bc4</a></p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60839012013-01-13T03:16:06-06:002020-01-10T17:32:55-06:00New, improved voice
<p>Taking a vocal tech class from the Nashville Jazz Workshop. After only 1 class and 3 days of exercises my voice feels stronger and sounds clearer. Looking forward to trying out my "new voice" Wednesday evening at Two Old Hippies!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60839002013-01-01T03:02:33-06:002020-01-10T17:32:54-06:00Happy New Year
<p>"Fortune may have yet a better success in reserve for you, and they who lose today may win tomorrow." Cervantes</p>
<p>Here's to a winning 2013.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/430243/c3aaa30308a91e7de1b98ecade583c781e2e7b9d/original/addy-mom-2-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6ODAweDUzNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="addy_mom_2_resized.jpg" height="534" width="800" /></p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838982012-11-14T13:55:19-06:002020-01-10T17:32:54-06:00ABC's Nashville
<p>While the storyline of ABC's "Nashville" leans a little soap-opera-y, I am awestruck to find The 5 Spot, Buddy Miller and Tammy Wynette songs on my t.v. The peddlers of mainstream country may not recognize the relevance of any of the above. But astute observers ride their nostalgia over the dreadful present like so much roadkill and aim for the future promise of music here in music city. Well done, Callie Khourie, T-Bone Burnette, & company! Keep it up!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838952012-11-01T16:36:38-05:002020-01-10T17:32:53-06:00Mack truck to the nose
<p>Currently recovering from reconstructive surgery to the inside of my nose. My former sinus doctor made an attempt at correction 8 years ago but he was not successful. Apparently, I had trauma, a broken nose, or was born with a malformation. My surgeon said that the inside of my nose was seriously MESSED UP. The up side of all this is that I should be able to breathe much better and, hopefully, SING much better or at least with less difficulty. Had the surgery Monday morning. Today is Thursday. I feel HORRIBLE. I know what it must feel like to be hit in the head by a Mack truck and have your body dragged along for the ride. I ventured out today but quickly realized I was WAY too sick to be out. I'm looking for a "leaps and bounds" recovery in the next couple days. Sure hope so.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838932012-09-25T12:37:07-05:002020-01-10T17:32:53-06:00Her cheating heart
<p>Just saw my mom. I was only there a little more than 24 hours. When I first got there she looked tired. But by the time I got to the nursing home the following day, she had on makeup, a new outfit (which her roommate's family got her), and jewelry. I immediately did her hair and later, her nails. She looked fabulous as we went for bingo!! I'm so happy to see her doing well. At times I become overwhelmed with love and pride. She has fought so hard and continues to fight. Her pastor jokes with her that he has given up on her three times and all three times she had managed to cheat death. Sometimes I am a child again in that the urge to be with her is so strong I can scarce resist the urge to drive the 200 miles that separate us. And sometimes I miss her as though she is already gone. She has the most amazing spirit. I can't imagine that light being extinguished.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838922012-09-18T14:11:38-05:002020-01-10T17:32:52-06:00AMA Week
<p>The Mavericks and the Alabama Shakes KILLED at the AMA Awards Show. The sound of a good band in that venue was epic. There were a couple of low points, a yawnable moment or two. And I think Bonnie Raitt (great as she is and was) is in the wrong genre. But I understand they need star power because it's a baby genre trying to draw attention to itself. Must admit it was cool seeing her perform. Overall, it was - as it has been year after year - an amazing night of music. The finale tribute to Levon Helm was probably as good as anything I’ve ever seen or heard at the Ryman. It was an all-star rendition of “The Weight” that included Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller, Sam Bush, Darrell Scott, Bonnie Raitt, Brittany Howard from the Alabama Shakes, Emmylou Harris, Richard Thompson, Don Was, Booker T. Jones, Larry Campbell, and the two Helm daughters.</p>
<p>It's always a good reminder of the talent in this town (and/or this genre) and of the people who are in it for the right reasons. People go to church to meet with other believers and rekindle their faith. That’s what AMA Awards Show is for me. Seems appropriate it is held in the “mother church.”</p>
<p>I didn't catch much more music so the awards show was the highlight of the week for me.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838912012-09-06T16:07:50-05:002020-06-27T07:05:28-05:00Pre-AMA Short Set 9/11
<p>Really looking forward to this show at East Nashville's favorite hang, The Family Wash! I have wanted FOREVER to play with uber-cool drummer, Bryan Owings (Emmylou Harris, Buddy Miller). Plus I'll be backed my regular gun slingers.......what a lucky gal I am!!! Check out the Americana Music Association link over on my "links" page (clever) for a listing of all the great music that will help "Music City" live up to her name this week.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838902012-08-14T11:04:09-05:002020-01-10T17:32:51-06:00Gigs, new songs
<p>Working on demos for the new songs. I think I'm done writing for this record. How does one know for sure? Trying to gig these songs out. I'm playing a couple new ones at my Aug. 26 round and at my Sept. 11 Family Wash full band gig. At this point, I guess I've gigged 5 new ones and am adding a couple more on the 26th. That's pretty good, eh?! Only one of them kinda didn't work with a full band. The rest went surprisingly well. It's a process.</p>
<p>Family stuff holding steady for now. Mom's so-so. Always sick enough for me to worry my head off about. But she has good days and bad. May take her to another doctor. Sigh. Ok. That's a downer :(</p>
<p>On a better diet and a slow, steady work-out plan. Feeling some better myself. Trying to reclaim my health and my life. Lord help us all. Trying to get to a better place.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838892012-05-28T04:52:37-05:002020-01-10T17:32:51-06:00Memorial Day
<p>Looking at so many Facebook posts from people of my generation, and a little older, regarding their ailing parents. I guess this is where we are in life. And it sucks, some of it because we hate seeing our parents suffer. The other concern is a selfish one - how long do I have before I'm in that shape? I can't imagine we are the first to feel this way. Yet, I don't remember my parents expressing such thoughts. Maybe they were tougher, or just too busy raising us to do much naval gazing.</p>
<p>My mom is probably not going to get chemo. Her latest bloodwork was not good and the oncologist said she is presently too weak to even consider it. We'll see how this plays out.</p>
<p>Here's a song that will probably be on the next record. Since it mentions Memorial Day specifically, I thought I'd post the lyrics. I wrote it with my cat on my lap, thus it is entitled "Song for Simone."</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The cat that’s napping in my lap doesn’t care about my leg that has fallen asleep</p>
<p>And the needles and the pins that penetrate my flesh are stabbing me down deep</p>
<p>The floor needs cleaning my feet are sticking the clock that’s ticking doesn’t care</p>
<p>There aren’t hours in the day to do the things I need to do despite what I’d like to do</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Bags parked underneath my eyes subtly supply details of a failed night’s rest</p>
<p>Lines around my mouth frown despite facial calisthenics invented by a glamour magazine polemicist</p>
<p>The children I guarded so closely don’t notice me and do not acknowledge</p>
<p>The Easter, birthday, Christmas cards I bought and wrote notes professing my love and worry for them</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And what does the world think of me</p>
<p>And does the world think of me</p>
<p>What does the world think of me</p>
<p>And does the world think of me</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Flowers planted by my hand flourished now that it’s the fall they have all died away</p>
<p>On his grave all that remains a dollar store flag July 4<sup>th, </sup>Veteran’s, and Memorial Day</p>
<p>He’d fly a big one bar none if he were still alive out of respect</p>
<p>For what most including me forget we owe a debt of gratitude we don’t pay</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And what does the world think of me</p>
<p>And does the world think of me</p>
<p>And what does the world think of me</p>
<p>And does the world think of me</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The cat that’s napping in my lap doesn’t care about my leg that has fallen asleep</p>
<p>And the needles and the pins that penetrate my flesh are stabbing me down deep</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838882012-05-05T11:00:24-05:002020-10-09T06:16:09-05:00The Big C
<p>Wish I could think about music as much as I'm thinking about cancer (my mom's) these days :( For those who've been touched by "the big C," you know it's the prism through which everything is viewed. Don't know how to move past this roadblock. She decided two days ago that she is going to have chemo. I can say that I have never worried about anything so much in my life. If she were at a wonderful nursing facility where she is happy and has excellent, loving care the decision would bode better. As it is, I'm just so saddened by the fact that she isn't happy where she is and now she has to endure 4 months of chemo. I think this is going to take all I am capable of giving - in visits, phone calls, moral support, bringing in edible, healthy food, WIGS, wig caps, wig shampoo, eyebrow pencils (they lose all their body hair, not just hair on the head), and a hundred other things I cannot begin to think of - everything I can muster to help her get through this with as little depression as possible. Yep, music seems pretty frivolous these days.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838872012-04-26T05:20:43-05:002020-01-10T17:32:50-06:00Happy Birthday to Me!
<p>I'm a day early but I'll go ahead and wish myself a happy birthday. Not much planned, hopefully a nice dinner out. It's just a blessing that everyone in my family is holding their own, no one's too sick or in the hospital or on their deathbed. Whew. All my ducks in a row for the moment. The times they are a'changin CONSTANTLY. </p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838862012-04-03T15:39:20-05:002020-01-10T17:32:49-06:00Marathon
<p>The marathon of East TN over for a couple weeks...house cleaning (not dusted in 5 months), bank, electric, water & cell phone companies, trash dump (5 bags) nursing home, cancer center (by ambulance)...always an adventure. Glad to do it for my mom, tho. </p>
<p>Listening to recent, and some not-so-recent, recordings by my friends Elizabeth Cook, Tim Carroll, and Chelle Rose and pondering ole' DB's next record. I've got my work cut out for me to live up to the artistry of my talented friends. ALMOST ready to start working on some recording. Little more to sort out first. Hoping for clarity and some time to finish writing on some of these 3 1/2 hour drives East.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838852012-03-11T13:25:41-05:002020-01-10T17:32:49-06:00Heavy heart today
<p>Thinking hard about my mom today who is back in the hospital in East Tennessee. Wish I could go there but I have too many things going on at home right now. Hate to think of her alone and only semi-lucid. Sending her many prayers.</p>
<p>This Thursday will be her 80th birthday. Hope she gets better so she can have a nice birthday.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838842012-02-25T12:49:57-06:002020-01-10T17:32:49-06:00Yesterday
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<p>Got off work. Decided to have a manicure. My cuticles crack and bleed if I don't get them treated. So it's practically a medical necessity. And it's nice to have someone hold your hand when you've been doing most of the hand holding lately. I had to paid big money to park downtown because I couldn't get it together for work. I've been having that problem on Fridays. Parking ticket wouldn't scan. Had to go wake up the attendant. Realized I had left my bag at the nail place (which is actually called "The Nail Place"). Back in the blustery cold wind to retrieve. Had to run because you only have 10 minutes to get your car through the gate after you've validated your ticket. And I don't want to wake up the parking attendant again.</p>
<p>Get through downtown rush hour traffic on my way to East Nasty. Decide to call the hospital and check on mom. No phone. Seriously??? Searching, searching, searching. Seriously??? Do a u-y. Back in downtown rush hour traffic, which is mysteriously more plugged going in than going out. By this hour I can park on the street. Wake up the parking attendant again..."did I leave my phone here?" "No...what's going on...your bag and then your phone!" "I KNOW!" Back in the blustery blustery to The Nail Place, where they are laughing at me. "We don't want to see you again tonight!" (with Asian accent). </p>
<p>Back toward East Nasty to get a lamp I need to return which I didn't have time to load in the morning because of my Friday-induced ineptness. Call the hospital. Mom has been released back to the nursing home. Spent the next I-don't-know-how-long in conversation with nursing home/hospital/nursing home clarifying med dosages/hospital doctor's orders versus nursing home doctor's orders resulting in an eventual "Oh, you're right" moment. Really, in a choice between everyone being on the same page or me getting to be "right," no contest on which gets my vote.</p>
<p>Mass texts to let everyone know where mom is. Take wrong interstate. Trying to find a good exit to turn around. Take airport exit. Seriously??? End up in a one way parking lot and have to take a ticket and circle around the airport to get out.</p>
<p>Ended up with two nice lamps, a decent dinner in Hillsboro Village, a good glass of wine, and an hour and a half conversation with an old friend whose salmon got cold. Wonder what kind of day he'd had?</p>
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Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838832012-01-25T13:33:29-06:002020-01-10T17:32:11-06:00Family business
<p>I am handling my mother's business as she has been diagnosed with cancer and is back living in a nursing home. Dealing with doctors, insurance, nursing homes, Medicaid, etc. Exhausting. Trying to finish writing for this third record we're looking at making but not in too creative a space right now. And run too ragged to gig very much, although we did have a FANTASTIC gig at the Family Wash recently! So, thus is life for Donna Beasley right now. I am also looking at the possibility of sinus surgery and dental work. I may be out of commission for a little while. Thanks for checking in. I hope I have something, ANYTHING, more exciting & positive to report in the not-too-distant future.</p>
<p>Sometimes life is not sexy.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838822011-10-24T12:40:50-05:002020-01-10T17:32:10-06:00And again...
<p>Another funeral - Tom's dad - the second immediate family member for us in less than a year. I sang "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art" under stained glass as Tom made beautiful music on the Martin. I seem to be writing a record partly based on life and death and aging themes. But I'd just as soon not have such fodder for songs. I'd rather just read about it in a book.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838812011-10-10T09:33:54-05:002019-12-16T10:30:32-06:00Record #3 - Why do this?
<p>Holy moly! I'm not sure how this has happened but I have 8 1/2 songs written for my next record! If I recall, it tends to happen this way every time. I always think "I'll NEVER write enough good songs to make another record." And at some point I look up and there they are...like shining little diamonds in the stream. Re: the half song, I have a verse and a chorus but I'm not sure I'm going to finish it. It may just need to set the mood for the song it will lead into.</p>
<p>Whenever I get bogged down with the business end of music and suffering the beat down that Nashville tends to administer, I forget why I even do this in the first place. Why put out another record? What's the point? THEN I write new songs. And we start getting production ideas about those songs and start day dreaming about whose going to play on this one or sing on that one. My confidence starts to build when I think I've created something good and I want people to HEAR WHAT WE HAVE MADE! Then I think, "Oh yeah, I remember why I do this."</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838802011-09-11T10:26:35-05:002020-01-10T17:32:10-06:00Mark Wehner
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage"><span class="messageBody">Sorry to hear of the passing of Mark Wehner. Elizabeth Cook and Chelle Rose convinced him to book me on Americana Tonight when I was a fresh, new little baby in town. It was the BIGGEST thing I had ever done!! I will always be grateful for that opportunity and his invaluable advice, which I follow to this day: "Always surround yourself with great players." RIP, Mark. I've no doubt you are surrounded by good players.<br></span></h6>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838792011-08-28T14:36:50-05:002020-01-10T17:32:09-06:00AKUS Show Review
<p>I was fortunate enough to see Alison Krauss & Union Station at the Ryman last night, courtesy of their Tech. A perfect marriage of band and venue, this was one of the best shows...if not THE best show...I've ever seen. For artists/musicians/singers in the audience, it was a master class. Put on any of their superbly made records and, if you see them live, this is pretty much what you will hear.</p>
<p>Despite mastery of their instruments (Alison's primary one being her voice), they did not rely solely upon their ability to make beautiful sounds. They kept it fluid throughout the night, with various band members coming on and off stage, instrumental solos as well as full band instrumental numbers, swapping out lead vocal duties between AK, Dan Tyminski, and Ron Block. The set list included new songs from "Paper Airplane" as well as old favorites including a couple of abbreviated versions of songs from the "O Brother, Where Art Thou" soundtrack and one song from "Raising Sand," AK's multi-Grammy winning project with Robert Plant. The only complaint was from my husband regarding their omission of his favorite song, "New Favorite." That's always HUGELY disappointing, seeing a show and having your favorite song left off the set list. So I sympathize! That was my experience seeing Shelby Lynne the first time (also at the Ryman) when she did NOTHING from "I Am Shelby Lynne." I was mad at her for a couple years, until she totally redeemed herself at AMA last year. I stood on the side of the stage at Mercy Lounge and had all my Shelby Lynne dreams fulfilled. But I digress.</p>
<p>But actually, I do not. Digress, that is. Both shows had a similar impact on me in that my heart was barely able to hold the music coming from the artists and musicians on stage. And that describes my experience last night. And it's hard to even put into words the beauty of what I heard. Music was made last night. And I'm sure they are used to making music night after night, year after year (they've been together 20+ years), but it is all too rare an occurrence in so called "Music City." But AKUS make music that rests somewhere up in rarified air, no matter in which city they perform it.</p>
<p>The encore was a quiet, almost reverent, stripped down set gathered around one microphone. They exited the stage amidst yet another enthusiastic standing ovation. Got to chat with Jerry Douglas before the show and Dan Block both before and after. Nice, nice people.</p>
<p>Nothing last forever, folks. Glad I got to say I have seen these amazing musicians perform live - together. I am convinced you will find no better gathering of talent on one stage in our time and, perhaps, for years to come. Jerry Douglas put it best when he said "this group of people makes a sound I've never heard before." Me neither, Jerry.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838782011-08-22T04:33:11-05:002020-01-10T17:32:08-06:00Green to Blue
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<p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">I used to love fall. It was my favorite time of the year. The weather here has been hot and dry. Leaves are already falling off the trees and gathering in my yard, waiting for further instruction. We've had a few cool mornings, giving us a preview of a change of season. But I don't enjoy fall the way I used to. I'm too old. I've begun to see the breakdown in my body that commences somewhere "mid-life." My face now has to "wake up" in the mornings. (Note to self: no photo shoots until noon or later.) Things hurt, get stiff - things like knees. Forget prayer, contrition, or metaphoric declarations of love. AGE is what is hardest on the knees. But they don't tell you that in song. Songs always have people "down on their knees." Maybe those songwriters were just old. Maybe they were stuck down there and couldn't get back up. Maybe those songs are more about calcified cartilage than amore.</p>
<p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">And I've lost people. People I’m finding out, for the first time in my life, what it’s like to live without. People who had always been here who aren’t here anymore. I came from a family of 5. We're down to 3. So watching summer wind down, watching green turn to brown, makes me uncomfortable. It makes me rebellious. I want to get in my car and drive to the ocean. I want to see something that has always been there that still IS there. I want an affirmation of life. I want to watch green turn to blue. Brown is not my favorite color.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838772011-08-03T10:50:38-05:002020-01-10T17:32:08-06:00Dylan 8/1/11 Show Review
<p>Dylan is a national treasure. America's poet laureate. I must state the obvious before saying the following: if you've NEVER seen him, go just to say you did. Otherwise, it is not worth the exorbitant ticket price. I wish I had my money back - or at least half it. <br> <br>This was my third Dylan show, the first two times were in 2001. Those shows were unforgettable, especially the Nashville one. He is truly appreciated by this very discerning audience, often full of artists/musicians/writers. But there is a BIG difference between a 60 year old man and a 70 year man. He just cannot pull it off vocally anymore. He cannot carry a melody. Not only is it bad, it is distracting. The band sounded great, especially Charlie Sexton. Dylan played well, was in good spirits and was engaging - engaging by Dylan standards. People seemed genuinely thrilled to be "in his presence." I mean, so was I!!! And I feel bad saying anything negative about the man! He's a GOD! But he cannot sing anymore. He cannot deliver the genius in those lyrics. And, bless his heart, he should probably stop trying.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838762011-07-31T16:05:18-05:002020-01-10T17:32:07-06:00Dylan ~ Tomorrow
<p>Seeing Dylan tomorrow night at the historic Ryman theater. I've read mixed reviews about his performances these days. Considering the ticket price (gulp...still can't believe I spent that much), I hope it's a decent show. I've seen him twice before. Been a while.</p>
<p>True fact: Bob Britt, who played on both my records, played on Dylan's Grammy winning "Time Out of Mind" record. I was totally digging Bob's playing long before I met him. He played on "City of Devils" and "Tying Knots in the Air" on my <em>Good Samaritan</em> record and "You Wouldn't Know Love" on <em>Under The Rushes</em>. True fact.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838752011-07-23T11:35:53-05:002019-12-16T10:30:31-06:00R.I.P. Amy Winehouse
<p>I will be drinking a toast to the fabulously talented and unique Amy Winehouse tonight and hoping that her soul is finally at peace. Today she joined the "27 Club" - the list of musicians who've died at age 27. Other members of "the club" include Robert Johnson, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Brian Johnson, and Curt Cobain. I don't understand why she lived her life as she did and wasted her gifts that were only too briefly shared with the world. But I hope she's feeling better now.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838742011-07-09T09:53:38-05:002020-01-10T17:32:06-06:00How the summer's shaping up
<p>Gigging and yard work. What else is summer for? We've basically lived like we're renting the house since we've been married. So, we've decided to be grown-ups and take some interest in making the place look nice. It really does have a positive impact on your psyche to look around and see beautiful trees, flowers, plants that you have either planted or maintained - you've invested yourself in nature and in your surroundings.</p>
<p>I've been through some rough months with the death of my brother and my mom's illness. I'm trying to change my life, change my mindset. I'm seeking inspiration and restoration. Nothing - except love, I suppose - has restorative powers like nature.</p>
<p>I wrote a spiritual song, a first for me. I'm pretty happy with it! But I wish the songs were coming easier. The gigs are going GREAT, tho. Wish I could play full band all the time and help more fully realize the vision I have for the songs. But duo and trio gigs are each their own thing and you make new discoveries with those too. Looking forward to rendering more Appalachian Therapy!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838732011-06-20T13:32:42-05:002019-12-16T10:30:31-06:002012???
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage"><span class="messageBody">Rumblings, ideas, and inklings...beginning to think about the third record. Still working on getting "Under The Rushes" out there, tho.</span></h6>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838722011-05-27T13:06:31-05:002020-01-10T17:32:05-06:00Congrats
<p>Congratulations to my friend Elizabeth Cook on her 3 nominations for Americana Music Association awards - Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (Welder), and Song of the Year (El Camino). Much deserved!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838712011-04-22T10:32:35-05:002020-01-10T17:32:05-06:00Mom
<p>I am headed to East TN this weekend to visit my mom and clean her house a little. The good news is that she will be returning home the end of the month. SO GRATEFUL for her progress!! Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes! It's a little scary, but we're hoping she will continue to improve and will have no problem caring for herself...back in her home...where she belongs.</p>
<p>And happy birthday to me April 27th!!!!!!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838702011-03-20T14:29:51-05:002020-01-10T17:32:04-06:00In studio, Mixx 105.5
<p>I posted this on social media but forgot to post on my website. But I did an interview with Steve Hartford of the Redneck and the Redcoat Show on Mixx 105.5 Sevierville, TN last week. It aired this evening. I had a lot of fun catching up with Steve. We used to play music together and he came to a couple of my gigs around Gatlinburg. DB does not forget such things!!!! Gig support is crucial! Anyway, thanks Steve for all the support and for having me in the studio. Much fun was had!</p>
<p>Now, on to Blue Plate Special in Knoxville this Tuesday noon...y'all come!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838692011-02-05T13:07:49-06:002020-01-10T17:32:03-06:00Good music, good game (hopefully)
<p>I've had the pleasure of hearing some really good music being made and/or assisted in our house of late. Just glad to be a small part of some it (singing background vocals) and, for the rest, just hearing it all go down. I'm excited for a couple of friends who will be putting out records this year. </p>
<p>For now, we're visiting Wisconsin to watch the Superbowl with in-laws. Go Packers!!! </p>
<p>This should be a more pleasurable visit than the last one. The day after we arrived on the last visit I got the call that my mother was in the hospital. My brother had passed away two weeks before. It was a tense time. Hopefully this trip will involve a good visit with family and we will see the Packers win the Superbowl!!!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838682011-01-12T10:48:48-06:002020-01-10T17:32:03-06:00Holding steady
<p>That's what 2011 feels like so far - just trying to breathe, put one foot in front of the other, whisper worried prayers, and SLOWLY try to get some music going in this house! Putting a couple more gigs on the books and trying to book more. Enjoying the unusual amount of snowfall in Nashville, hibernating a little, I admit. Mom is doing well for now. This past weekend she requested a slaw dog, strawberries, a pair of red shoes, and a tube of lipstick be brought to the nursing home. Me thinks she is on the mend. Lord, let her stay that way.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838672010-12-15T01:26:21-06:002020-01-10T17:32:02-06:00Sad November
<p>November brought a turn of events I could never have predicted - which are still unbelievable. On November 8 my brother passed away of a massive heart attack while running. On November 24 my mom was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver due to unknown causes, pneumonia, and four other conditions ranging in seriousness. She has gone from living by herself working as a cook for a meals-on-wheels type program to bouncing back and forth from a hospital to a nursing home.</p>
<p>Musically, my focus is finally shifting from radio to booking live shows - if the fates allow. Please say a prayer for my mom and the rest of my family. I hope 2011 is a happy, healthy one for all. </p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838662010-10-30T16:39:55-05:002020-01-10T17:32:02-06:00Roanoke
<p>Looking forward to my Roanoke gig the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Opening for Elizabeth Cook. I have a lot of family up that way. My parents were both from Hillsville, VA -- and from large families. Roanoke is the closest "big city," or it was when I was a kid. I have a feeling it still is...things don't seem to change too rapidly there. How nice. I might bust out a brand new song!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838652010-09-14T10:19:06-05:002020-01-10T17:32:01-06:00AMA Week Highlights
<p>~Thur., Sept. 9, 9:23am~</p>
<p>Getting ready to do the AMA thang again today. Met some d.j.s yesterday that I had just sent cds to. That was cool. Helping Tom at the D'Addario booth. Caught Elizabeth Cook's fabulous showcase last night. More seminars today and awards show tonight!! "Advil: prop me up another day."</p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message">~Thur., Sept. 9, 11:55pm~</span></p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message">Just caught the AMA awards show at the Ryman. Avett Bros...wow. Too legit to quit. Ryan Bingham also good. "Secret guest," Rbt Plant closing out w/a 30 minute set featuring his "Band of Joy" which includes Buddy Miller, Patty Griffin, & Darrell Scott. Performances also by Rosanne Cash, Lucinda Wms, Jim Lauderdale, & Em<span class="text_exposed_show">mylou Harris w/Rodney Crowell. That much talent in one evening...staggering. Hard to take it all in. Oh, forgot about Ray...Ray Wiley Hubbard...fantastic.</span></span></p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="text_exposed_show">~Fri., Sept 10, 6:23pm~</span></span></p>
<p><span class="UIIntentionalStory_Names"> </span><span class="UIStory_Message">Today was kind of a bust for me at AMA. I had to take care of some personal business, had to get some food in the house fit for humans and cats, etc. Only caught one seminar. Got blown off by the one industry guy I tried to talk to. Oh well. Gotta keep swinging the bat...but sometimes you gotta feed the cat!</span></p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message">~Fri., Sept. 10 8:19pm~</span></p>
<p>Met many cool people this week, both inside and outside the industry. Missed many showcases and panels I wish I hadn't. Headed out for a night of great music! This is one of my favorite weeks of the year!!</p>
<p>~Sat., Sept. 11, 9:34am~</p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message">The evening went something like this: standing next to Patty Griffin watching Jim Lauderdale's killer set with Eddie Perez on guitar, getting elbowed in the boob by Robert Plant, having several mini-heart attacks while Shelby Lynne did songs off one of my all-time fave records + 2 Dusty tunes, her squeezing my hand whe<span class="text_exposed_show">n she came off stage. Worth the 200 degree room temp. Watching Shelby Lynne - like being in church. Amen.</span></span></p>
<p>~Sun., Sept. 12, 2:10pm~</p>
<p><span class="UIStory_Message"> At some point this weekend, stopped acting cool and started acting like a fan. Now, it's dirty underwear/sheets/towels, empty cardboard boxes in and out of the house, clocks that need batteries, moldy fruit, left-over take out in the fridge and feeble attempts to put it all back together.</span></p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838642010-09-05T06:00:36-05:002020-01-10T17:32:00-06:00AMA Week is almost here!
<p>Tho I will not be showcasing, I will be around all week for the Americana Music Association's 2010 Conference, Sept. 8-11. Lots of informative panels by day and great artists showcasing at various venues by night.</p>
<p>Here's a link for the showcase line-up:</p>
<p>http://americanamusic.org/index.htm?id=18350&sid=18332.</p>
<p>I'll blog a word or two about the informative, interesting, and inspirational moments of the week. Tom is volunteering his technical skills. Who knows what I'll be into. It will be a c-r-a-z-y week as always and a lot of fun! </p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838632010-07-30T15:52:47-05:002020-01-10T17:32:00-06:00Help the Smokies with 2 clicks of a mouse!
<p>Click on this link and vote for The Great Smokies Mountains National Park as your favorite. The winning park receives $100,000 from Coca-Cola. Your vote is appreciated!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a title="Vote for the Smokies!" href="http://www.livepositively.com/#/americasparks/vote" data-imported="1">http://www.livepositively.com/#/americasparks/vote</a></p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838622010-06-20T03:56:59-05:002021-05-18T02:37:43-05:00Graceland, Afterthoughts
<p>Sorry for the lateness of the post. There have been floods and CDs to contend with. And these issues needed a little time. After some rumination, here's what I took away from my pilgrimage to Graceland, April 27, 2010.</p>
<p>1. Elvis lived a long time ago, not yesterday, as the videos have a way of making you believe. Watch "That's the Way It Is" filmed in 1970. You would swear you could drive over to rehearsals at MGM Studio and crash in on the Sweet Inspirations and the Imperials working out bgv's for "Bridge Over Troubled Water." It's easier to believe that the concert takes place in some sort of parallel universe where women wear really strange hair rather than the fact it was more than 40 years ago. A reviewer on Amazon commented, "It's so fresh and alive you'll almost forget it wasn't recently filmed." Thank you. <br><br> So, that's the little Elvis bubble I'd been living in for about a year. Happily melding 1970/2010. Elvis and I look good. We're thin. We're happy. We're young. We're bff. And then I saw the limo...THE limo...the one from "Elvis On Tour" filmed in 1972. He climbs in, entourage in tow, looks out the window sadly and sings "It's a rainy night in Georgia." Man, that limo is OLD. And tiny, compared to the monstrosities high school grads are renting for prom night these days. That tiny limo became "Christine," from Stephen King lore. It turned the key, started itself up, and plowed right into my little 1970/2010 bubble. <br><br> 2. Once, when living in Pensacola, I ran into boxing champ Roy Jones, Jr., and his entourage, at the all-night Kroger about 1:00am. By that point in his career, he had won the title of World Champion in 3 weight divisions. And there he was in the Kroger. The second thing I realized after visiting Graceland is that I'm never going to run into Elvis in the all-night Kroger. And I'm never going to see him in concert. <br><br> 3. Elvis is dead. And as crazy as it makes me sound, I am so very sad about that. I am sad because, for me, Elvis did not die 23 years ago. For me, he died April 27, 2010. So, forgive the lateness of the post. I have been in mourning.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/430245/b1ddd84ca5d1a41d61d0606837cc64a1656add07/original/dscn0523-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDExeDYwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DSCN0523_resized.JPG" height="600" width="411" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/430244/7d3568ef7fcb4bfe679ff94f624d406a7f27fb4f/original/dscn0533-resized.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6ODAweDYwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="DSCN0533_resized.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838612010-05-07T12:28:20-05:002020-01-10T17:31:58-06:00Wondering how you can help flood victims in the Nashville area?
<p>http://nashvillest.com/2010/05/03/so-nashville-is-flooded-how-can-i-help/</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838602010-05-05T15:22:35-05:002020-01-10T17:31:58-06:00I couldn't have said it better myself
<p>The first link is a fantastic article on the flood. The second link is a word or two about the music industry's loss in particular.
http://www.section303.com/we-are-nashville-4366
http://blogs.tennessean.com/tunein/2010/05/04/for-musical-nashville-flood-losses-are-still-untold/</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838592010-05-01T12:38:58-05:002020-01-10T17:31:48-06:00Floods
<p>Terrible floods here in Nashville with several more inches to come over the next 48 hours. Groovy East Nashville seems safe so far, knock wood. But buildings and cars are floating upside down on the interstate a mere 30 minutes from where I sit. Prayers and positive thoughts, please.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838582010-04-26T16:39:12-05:002020-01-10T17:31:48-06:00Walking In Memphis
<p>I am here in Memphis for my birthday, which is one hour and 11 minutes from now. I wanted to make the pilgrimage to Graceland, which I visit tomorrow. It seemed important to be there on my actual birthday. A friend of Tom's has close ties with somebody who's somebody who may hook us up with tickets. That could be fun...I'll let ya know if there's any kind of story to tell.
Tonight we are staying at the world famous Peabody Hotel. I got to see the Peabody Ducks walk the lobby today, as they do every day, at 5:00pm.
Ok, birthday in 24 minutes, Graceland in about 12 hours...CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!! This could be the best birthday EVER!</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838572010-03-07T07:30:48-06:002020-01-10T17:31:47-06:00Final artwork/roughs
<p>I emailed my graphic artist, the very patient and talented Nancy Hagen, what I hope are final specs on all my CD artwork today. I'm getting ready to listen to what I hope are final mixes of the songs. I have knots in my stomach and am still in my pj's at 3:30 pm. This stuff is not for sissies.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838562010-02-21T01:42:11-06:002020-01-10T17:31:43-06:00In praise of vinyl
<p>Inside sleeve of Dylan's "Nashville Skyline" long-play album released in 1969.
HERE'S HOW RECORDS GIVE YOU MORE OF WHAT YOU WANT:
1. THEY'RE YOUR BEST ENTERTAINMENT BUY. Records give you top quality for less money than any other recorded form. Every album is a show in itself. And once you've paid the price of admission, you can hear it over and over.
2. THEY ALLOW SELECTIVITY OF SONGS AND TRACKS. With records it's easy to pick out songs you want to play, or to play again a particular song or side. All you have to do is lift the tone arm and place it where you want it. You can't do this as easily with anything but a phonographic record.
3. THEY'RE CONVENIENT AND EASY TO HANDLE. With the long-playing record you get what you want to hear, when you want to hear it. Everybody's familiar with records, too. And you can go anywhere with them because they're light and don't take up space.
4. THEY'RE ATTRACTIVE, INFORMATIVE, AND EASY TO STORE. Record albums are never out of place. Because of the aesthetic appeal of the jacket design, they're beautifully at home in any living room or library. They've also got important information on the backs--about the artists, about the performances or about the program. And because they're flat and not bulky, you can store hundreds in a minimum of space and still see every title.
5. THEY'LL GIVE YOU HOURS OF CONTINUOUS AND UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING PLEASURE. Just stack them up on your automatic changer and relax.
6. THEY'RE THE PROVEN MEDIUM. Long-playing phonograph records look the same now as when they were introduced in 1948, but there's a world of difference. Countless refinements and developments have been made to perfect the long-playing record's technical excellence and insure the best in sound reproduction and quality.
7. IF IT'S IN RECORDED FORM, YOU KNOW IT'LL BE AVAILABLE ON RECORDS. Everything's on long-playing records these days...your favorite artists, shows, comedy, movie sound tracks, concerts, drama, documented history, educational material...you name it. This is not so with any other kind of recording.
8. THEY MAKE A GREAT GIFT because everybody you know loves music. And everyone owns a phonograph because it's the musical instrument everyone knows how to play. Records are a gift that says a lot to the person you're giving them to. And they keep on remembering.
AND REMEMBER...IT ALWAYS HAPPENS FIRST ON RECORDS.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838552010-01-14T11:58:20-06:002020-01-10T17:31:42-06:00Read a good book
<p>Just finished Peter Guralnick's two book set on Elvis. The first book is "Last Train to Memphis - The Rise of Elvis Presley." The second is "Careless Love - The Unmaking of Elvis Presley." Considered to be the definitive Elvis biography, I HIGHLY recommend these books to any Elvis fan or just to the curious. They are WONDERFUL, and sad, and I hated to see them end. I spent several days in a funk because, one, my time with these highly entertaining books was over and, two, because the reader is forced to relive the death of the man. Don't know about you, but I can tell you exactly where I was when I heard the king was dead: at Remax drive-in eating hamburgers with my mom. My brother drove up. He had been on a mission to find us and break the news. It didn't seem possible, a sentiment echoed in "Careless Love." Read these books. But be forewarned. You will never laugh at another "fat Elvis" derision.
During the read, couldn't stop listening to:
"That's When Your Heartaches Begin" from Rare and Rockin' - The Complete 50's Masters, Disc 5
"Heartbreak Hotel"
"In the Ghetto"
Back in the summer I read Jonathan Gould's "Can't Buy Me Love: The Beatles, Britain, and America." A good read for any semi-serious fan. It examines the cultural climates that both created the band and made the phenomenon. That's the first part of the book, anyway. Once they start recording, he devotes one chapter to each album. I had great fun pairing my intellectual journey with a musical one by listening to each record (most of them) while reading about the making of it. I was fortunate to have access to them all, between my collection and my husband's, who is a SERIOUS fan.
That's all for now. Starting on a Tom Petty book. Will report back.</p>
Donna Beasleytag:donnabeasley.com,2005:Post/60838542010-01-07T03:24:44-06:002020-01-10T17:31:42-06:00Pardon the intervention
<p>Once again real life intervenes and music takes a back seat to the need to pay bills. However, my producer/husband is now finished with his day job as one of Keith Urban's guitar techs and production on the record resumes. Here's to 2010 and to finishing this darn record s-o-o-n!!!</p>
Donna Beasley