Hard Evidence For The Power Of Prayer

Some of you may know promo guy, Jim, form 97.3 The Eagle. He's the tall, thin gentleman with his signature backward baseball cap. Jim is one the most efficient, caring individuals with whom I have ever worked. He always was there to help listeners, clients, staff.....anyone who needed help at a concert, event, etc. On a personal level, every time (and I mean EVERY TIME!), Jim would come back from a trip with the Disney Kids to Orlando with a little gift for our little one. Never failed. Always put himself before everyone else.
Well, this past Thursday, Jim suffered a sudden heart attack a few hours after our in studio event with The Trailer Choir. The first 24 hours were very touch and go. Just about anyone who had some contact with Jim was being kept posted and everyone, to a person, said he would be in their prayers.
Well, Friday night, things began to turn positive and by Saturday afternoon, Jim was awake and doctors were extremely optimistic. I saw the power of prayer at its best. When everyone started praying for Jim, you could feel things change for him. What a feeling! So, if you ever had doubts in your own mind, let this serve as an example!

Day One at the CMA Music Fest

I'm here in Nashville with the Eagle morning show, Jimmy Ray and Jen, who are broadcasting live from the festivities. Lots of artists visited our area this morning. Jimmy Wayne mentioned that he and Dierks Bentley join Brad Paisley on stage for a special song during his concert. Julianne Hough is feeling LOTS better and is looking forward to the show with George Strait and Blake Shelton Friday night. Speaking of Blake, he told us how much he loves to come to Virginia Beach. Tonight, we had a chance to see Alan Jackson perform at the Cadillac Ranch in honor of his 20th year in the business and Jimmy Ray had the opportunity to interview him. LOTS of neat things.
On a personal level, although this is work, it isn't for me. It's always a huge thrill to see these artists and experience how real they actually are. I've only been a part of country music for 6 and a half years. Most of my career was in rock and Top 40 and, I have to tell you, some of those artists need to come to Music Fest to see how it should be done...and IS done for the country audience. There is nothing like it.

The 3-D Ripoff!

This past weekend, we went, with an excited little one, to see the new Pixar-animated film "Up". Heard lots of good things about it and, for the most part, the movie lived up to its advance reviews by our friends.
One thing I made sure that we avoided was the lure of the 3-D showing. It can really be awesome and exciting and EXPENSIVE! The last time I wasn't as aware and wound up laying out twice as much cash than the regular movie. TWICE AS MUCH!!!! And you know what? You don't even get to keep the 3-D glasses. Of course, why would you want to?
Anyhow, about the cost....not only do you play about $3-4 extra for the privilege of watching 3-D but there is also $3 service charge PER TICKET!!! Since that last outlay of big money,we thought it would be better to wait for the 3-D DVD.

Goodbye To An Old, OLD FRiend!

To some of you....actually, most of you, this may not mean anything but I just have to say something about an icon in our industry closing its doors today. Our top industry magazine, Radio & Records, announced that their last printed edition will be coming out Friday and their web presence will cease today - after 36 years of operation. This, to me, is like losing an old friend.....someone who was there, when you first got into the business, to help you get started; someone who was there to help you move in that upward direction you had hoped for; someone who let the industry know your name and your talent as often as possible and, mostly, someone who kept you informed, up-to-date and entertained. I learned more from various special articles in this publication than in any time NY Times business best-seller. The writers had a passion for the business and all facets of it. Their original publisher, Bob Wilson, was just a regular guy who wanted to help the industry grow and he did. Unfortunately, Corporate America took over the publication and things began to happen - less people , less articles, less conferences and conventions. A lot of good people are out of work today because of this announcement. I guess it's another sign that a "change has come to America". My heart goes out to all of the R&R alumni. A big thank you for helping me be what I am today.