WAY BACK WHEN WEDNESDAY: RUNNIN' AWAY WITH MY HEART - LONESTAR

On the first “Way Back When Wednesday” of June, first I thought we’d take a second to wish you a Happy June and a Happy Summer.  Secondly, Happy CMAfest/Fan Fair time! Less than a week to go!  There will be so many artists and fans alike in Nashville and many of those esteemed, prominent artists will be playing the Riverfront Stage as well as many others.  Lonestar will in fact, be playing the Riverfront Stage on Sunday June 14th!  Coincidentally, that’s who we’ve chosen to focus on for today’s “Way Back When Wednesday”, Lonestar with their 1995 hit “Runnin’ Away With My Heart.”

Released on their self-titled debut album, “Runnin’ Away With My Heart” is quintessential 90’s country.  Lonestar played a large part in shaping 90’s country (and country beyond that) with this song at the helm. Written by Lonestar lead guitarist and vocalist Michael Britt, Mark D. Sanders and Sam Hogin, “Runnin’ Away With My Heart” is about a guy who’s fallen so hard for the girl he’s with, she’s running away with his heart.  Ritchie McDonald and Lonestar start out with acquiring a faster car.  “Hey Buddy can you get me some faster wheels I got a heartache nippin' at my heels I'll be hurtin' if she gets a big head start.”  Even as he catches up to her, his heart is never surrendered as “even when I'm holdin' her tight She's running away with my heart.”  Does his heart ever become his again? Does she surrender hers in exchange? We may never know, but it’s easy to see how this song, as well as the entire “Lonestar” album launched a career.  The now-famous debut album houses hits such as “Runnin’ Away With My Heart,” “Tequila Talkin’,” “No News” and many others.  The writing prowess of the entire band as well as the instrumentals and vocals is a clear blueprint of great country music that continues to be used today.

And go to see them at Riverfront! Happy CMAfest/Fan Fair Everybody!

Contributor: Alyse Smith
Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300

WAY BACK WHEN WEDNESDAY: "THE THUNDER ROLLS" - GARTH BROOKS

On this sunny summer day, I figured we’d focus on a summery prototypical cheating song that kicked off the 90’s, penned and sung by none other than Garth Brooks.  The man that has made entire generations follow in his footsteps and has recently gotten back into the rhythm of things himself. Touring again on his first tour in decades, there is no better time to see a show of his!

A classic Garth tune through and through, “The Thunder Rolls” was written by Garth Brooks and Pat Alger. Alger’s credits read like an absolute Mecca for country music and songwriters everywhere. Like manna from Heaven, his talent rained down on pretty much every recognizable name of the 80’s and 90’s. It poured down upon the Everly Brothers, Dolly Parton, Kathy Mattea, Peter, Paul and Mary, Don Williams, Rhonda Vincent, Tanya Tucker, Crystal Gayle, Hal Ketchum (Yes, to answer your question one of them was “Small Town Saturday Night!”) and more! With Garth, there aren't enough words in the English language to speak of all he’s sung, done and written. The “Garth” of it all cannot be contained into any amount of words, it’s just “Garth.” This hasn’t been the first time I’ve written his praises and it won’t be the last.

The infamous spurned woman with lightning flashing in her eyes was first heard on Garth’s 2nd studio album “No Fences” released in 1990.  The story within this song is an intense one, coupled with a raging storm.  A worried woman deeply in love, hoping that the inclement weather has kept her husband away from her, that he’s still safe and that he’s not been with another.  Alas, upon his return her suspicions are confirmed and as “she rushes out to hold him, thankful he’s alive
But on the wind and rain, a strange new perfume blows.” She doesn’t try to hide her reaction, her eyes flash rage and betrayal as the torrential downpour releases from both her and the sky above.

This song can definitely be defined as a classic and it's definitely classic Garth.

We normally include a video with the song for the reader to enjoy and "flash back" to, however Garth's label has strict restrictions on posting Youtube videos due to copyright infringement.

Contributor: Alyse Smith
Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300

WAY BACK WEDNESDAY: "TENNESSEE WHISKEY" - GEORGE JONES

Perhaps not exactly a “Welcome to Summer” song but a great song nonetheless. I had the opportunity to see David Allan Coe a while back and this song hasn’t left my mind since. “Tennessee Whiskey” was originally done by David Allan Coe as the title track on his album released in 1981. The love song was crafted beautifully by the famed and brilliant Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove. It’s been sung by everyone from the Possum himself, George Jones to more recently, Chris Stapleton and Meghan Lindsey of NBC's "The Voice". “Tennessee Whiskey” is a song about a barfly that found love outside of the whiskey bottle but as that’s the only love he’s ever known, that’s all he can compare it to. The chorus (and the entire song really) says it achingly and beautifully with

“You're as smooth as Tennesee whiskey

You're as sweet as strawberry wine

You're as warm as a glass of Brandy

And I stay stoned on your love all the time”

Dean Dillon has always written such eloquent lyrics and spun such worlds in mere minutes it leaves me incredulous, shaking my head the entire time. More currently, he’s written for greats such as Randy Travis, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, Kellie Pickler, Sammy Kershaw, Randy Rogers Band and just about everyone you can think of and those are just a few in this decade. Linda Hargrove passed away in 2010, but in her illustrious life had penned hits for Olivia Newton John, Lynn Anderson, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette and the list goes on and on. Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove create a rarity of a writing duo, such unique minds that have written with such soul (and Dillon continues to) that it is the essence of poetry in songwriting, more exquisite than most anything you will ever hear.

George Jones Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggkyQ8RqOvc 

David Allan Coe Version With Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0gWX6_GG98

Chris Stapleton Version: (off of his album “Traveller” go get it!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zAThXFOy2c

Meghan Linsey's Version from NBC's "The Voice" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP5P2HJQ05k 

Contributor: Alyse Smith
Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300

WAY BACK WHEN WEDNESDAY: "LIZA JANE" - VINCE GILL

As April warmth beckons, I’m reminded of a childhood favorite of mine, as well as many others. Vince Gill has been beloved for decades, both as a person and an extraordinary singer-songwriter. Today, I would like to draw attention to my absolute favorite song of his, which is none other than “Liza Jane.” One of the reasons I’ve always loved this song is that whenever you hear it you can’t help but smile and sing along. It is a call to dance, to sing, to wait by the phone for the cute girl to call you! Released in 1991, off of Vince’s “Pocket Full Of Gold” album, it was co-written by Vince Gill and Reed Nielsen. Reed Nielsen was a beautifully prolific songwriter that unfortunately passed away in 2014. He had written for Vince many a time as well as Eddie Rabbitt, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lorrie Morgan, Kenny Rogers, Emerson Drive, Jeffrey Steele and Tim McGraw, just to name a few. “Liza Jane” is a song where he’s waiting anxiously for the object of his affection to call him. He gave her his number and can’t wait any longer as he tells her:

“Girl I got it bad for you

There ain't nothin' I won't do

Just one kiss and I'll never be the same

Little Liza Jane, oh little Liza Jane”

Go on and call him now Liza! How can you resist that falsetto? With girls and boys both singing this and begging to be called for decades, it has truly stood the test of time and as with any truly great song, will change an entire day or more when it is heard.


Contributor: Alyse Smith Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300

WAY BACK WEDNESDAY: "MY NEXT BROKEN HEART" - BROOKS AND DUNN

This “Way Back When Wednesday” we’re reaching back to the beginning of the 90’s.  A new era of music was flourishing and in the eye of the storm was Brooks and Dunn. Their first album “Brand New Man” was released in 1991 and contained many of their biggest hits.  From “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” to “Neon Moon” to “Lost and Found” their debut album was unprecedented with its then-popularity and now-longevity.  A quarter of a century ago and so many of this album’s songs are still among the most well-known in country music.

The song we’re focusing on today off of the “Brand New Man” album is “My Next Broken Heart.”, one of their greatest songs in popularity, longevity and songwriting, as well as one of my personal favorites. “My Next Broken Heart” was written by Don Cook, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn.  Don Cook is a record producer, turned songwriter (when he co-wrote this song), turned big-wig of many titles at Sony/ATV Tree Music Publishing turned songwriter again.

Kix and Ronnie are sadly no longer together but their music will live on agelessly.


Contributor - Alyse Smith Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300

WAY BACK WEDNESDAY: "GOOD RUN OF BAD LUCK" - CLINT BLACK

With the blustery winter out there, to put it mildly there is nothing I would rather write than a “Way Back When Wednesday” of Summer’s Comin’. However, given that it is snowing sideways in a good number of places including here, that would seem to be crueler than I am. Perhaps next week, as this week the featured song is none other than “Good Run of Bad Luck” by Clint Black. Released in 1993 off of his “No Time To Kill” album, “Good Run of Bad Luck” was written by Texan singer/songwriters Clint Black and Hayden Nicholas. A songwriting duo that has stood both the test of time and has spawned over 100 songs together. They met in 1987 and started writing, first getting together for Clint’s album “Killin’ Time” and they’ve only soared higher since. A song that most are familiar with, “Good Run of Bad Luck” is a quite visibly song about luck. His, hers and the man currently lucky enough to be with her. If things just going a little bad for them, they’d start going great for him. He’ll take that gamble, as “7 come 11 and she could be mine, luck be a lady and she could be mine.” He’s confident that he’ll win the hand, both of the lady and the cards that he’s been dealt. An excellent song and an interesting video to improve the dreaded cold days of your winter.

If you're on social media, follow Clint on Twitter at @Clint_Black and on Facebook at Clint.Black. 
He's great with his fans and handles his accounts personally.


Contributor: Alyse Smith Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300

WAY BACK WHEN WEDNESDAY: "MI VIDA LOCA" - PAM TILLIS

This “Way Back When Wednesday” we shall embrace the crazy and the wonderful talents of Pam Tillis. One of her biggest hits and greatest songs, “Mi Vida Loca” was co-written by Pam and Jess Leary. It was released off of Tillis’ 1994 album “Sweetheart’s Dance” which was the first album she produced herself along with help from Steve Fishel.

Pam Tillis is famous for an abundance of reasons, first and foremost her voice. Secondly, her lyrics and lively stage presence. The list goes on from there but a few of the reasons she’s achieved such great staying power is that her songs are still relevant today. Some of her more famous ones are “Shake The Sugar Tree,” “Maybe It Was Memphis” “Don’t Tell Me What To Do” and of course, “Mi Vida Loca.” 

Jess Leary is a songwriter out of Massachusetts who moved to Nashville after pursuing and gaining some renown in Boston. She was a regular on a variety of music circuits, including country, folk and rock. After winning a talent show, she was flown out to perform at the Grand Ole Opry and decided that Nashville would be her home. Leary also graced many a stage as a backup singer for Reba, Garth, Pam Tillis and a myriad of others. She’s written songs for most recently Blake Shelton on his “Bringing Back The Sunshine” album, as well as Tim McGraw, Shenandoah and oddly enough, New York Yankee Nick Swisher. 

What I love most about this song is it makes no apologies. She simply says “Welcome to my crazy life” and if you’re going to enter into it you better have “nerves of steel.” My life happens to be crazy, it’s not sedate and it’s not for everybody. It’s a life full of passion and crazy as a “never-ending circus ride,” a life full of adventure and travel and baby, if you’re in it a life full of love as well. There’s nothing ordinary here and it’s full of the unexpected but if you want in, you got it. She serenades a man by firelight when she realizes that she’s found a compadre in him. A sonorous song with an exceptional story, Tillis and Leary know just want to write and just what to sing for songs that last through the decades.

Contributor: Alyse Smith Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300 

WAY BACK WHEN WEDNESDAY - "SOME GIRLS DO" - SAWYER BROWN

The ubiquitous Sawyer Brown has been known throughout the decades for many, many hits.  One of my very favorites that teaches you to be absolutely honest and self-confident.  In a very humorous, descriptive 3 minutes and 20 seconds, Mark Miller tells us what Sawyer Brown is and what he ain’t.  “Well I ain’t first class but I ain’t white trash wild and a little crazy too… Some girls don’t like boys like me ohhhh but some girls do!”

Written in 1992 by lead vocalist Mark Miller on Sawyer Brown’s “The Dirt Road” album.  Sawyer Brown consists of 5-man dynamo Mark Miller, Joe Smyth, Gregg Hubbard, Shayne Hill and Jim Scholten.  Formed in 1980 and still going strong today, you can catch Sawyer Brown on tour now as well as Florida’s famous Strawberry Festival on March 2nd. They’re touring until the heat of the summer, ending in mid-July hitting festivals, fairs and the like!

Sawyer Brown always has had songs that make you want to get up and dance, infusing their energy into the crowd and getting right back they're surely a show you don’t want to miss!  Their sense of humor ever-present in the music video as well. Be sure to watch and listen!


Contributor: Alyse Smith
Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300

WAY BACK WHEN WEDNESDAY: "BUBBA SHOT THE JUKEBOX" - MARK CHESNUTT

This “Way Back When Wednesday” I thought we’d do a little amp you up music.  I don’t know about anybody else, but Mark Chesnutt’s “Bubba Shot The Jukebox” has always worked for me.  One of those songs that just improves your day, excites you for what you’re about to do, calms you if you need it.  Gives you the strength and stubbornness to push a few minutes more into work, gym or what have you.

“Bubba Shot The Jukebox” was written by Dennis Linde and released on Chesnutt’s 1992 album “Longnecks and Short Stories.”  Dennis Linde was a highly influential songwriter from Abilene, Texas, born on 1943 and sadly passed in 2006.  Growing up he lived in St. Louis until he ventured to Nashville, TN.  The most famous song in his repertoire, he wrote “Burning Love” for Elvis in 1972.  Not only did he write Elvis’ final hit, he also wrote hits for many of the biggest stars “Callin’ Baton Rouge” for Garth, “John Deere Green” for Joe Diffie, along with songs for the Dixie Chicks, John Anderson, Don Williams, Roy Orbison, Barbara Mandrell, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and many more.  Artists from every decade that Linde wrote were "winning lotto ticket" lucky to have the chance to record one of his songs.  “Bubba Shot The Jukebox” was written leading up to gaining the accolades he so richly deserved.  1993 and 1994 saw Songwriter of the Year awards from both Nashville Songwriter Association and BMI.  The powerhouse duo of Chesnutt singing and Linde writing make this a song that has survived and flourished throughout the years, each greatly complementing the other’s styles.

Contributor: Alyse Smith Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300

WAY BACK WHEN WEDNESDAY - "DON'T TAKE HER SHE'S ALL I GOT" - TRACY BYRD

Contributor: Alyse Smith

Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300

For the first “Way Back When Wednesday” of the year, I thought we’d do a song that does an excellent job of straddling the old and the new and is still a classic. A song most recognizably done by Tracy Byrd in 1996, “Don’t Take Her She’s All I Got” had far reaching roots reaching back to 1971 written by the legendary Gary “U.S.” Bonds. Gary “U.S.” Bonds might be the most legendary person you’ve not heard of. He inspired the likes of both Bruce Springsteen and Steven Van Zandt and headlined above The Beatles on a 1963 European tour. Springsteen and a member of the Allman Brothers both played on his album “Back In 20.” Bonds has garnered such distinctions as honoree of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation as well as a nomination for the prestigious Country Music Association’s “Songwriter of the Year” award. He hobnobbed with the Blues Brothers and Otis Redding, still traveling and touring today with the Roadhouse Rockers. He has dabbled in many a genre and his songs have had massive crossover success. “Don’t Take Her She’s All I Got” has made the rounds itself with a bevy of artists such as Johnny Paycheck, George Jones, David Allan Coe, Conway Twitty, and strangely enough, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Released by Tracy Byrd “Don’t Take Her She’s All I Got” remains a quintessential 90’s hit, marrying the older sounds of Willie and Dolly with the newer sounds of his own. Though many a version were released by many a renowned artist through the decades, this one remains my favorite. Not only because it frames Byrd’s voice so beautifully but also because it’s the one I grew up hearing. A close second however, is Byrd and Paycheck singing it together. 

Listen Below for Tracy Byrd

Listen Below for Johnny Paycheck and Tracy Byrd

WAY BACK WHEN WEDNESDAY - "RAMBLIN' MAN" - THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND

Contributor: Alyse Smith

Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300

What I love about country music is the way that it’s always been touched by other genres but managed to hold its own distinctive flavor throughout. You have artists that are inspired by rock, southern rock, pop at the time, older country, newer country, inspiration is drawn from all eras and genres to create the country sound we love so much. That’s why for this “Way Back When Wednesday” “Ramblin’ Man” by The Allman Brothers Band was chosen.

When you look up what it’s classified as, country is not listed. It’s listed as rock and roll, rock or southern rock. The Allman Brothers Band themselves are cited as “Blending rock, blues, country, and jazz, the godfathers of Southern rock in all its wild, woolly glory” according to Bruce Eder at Allmusic - an apt description if ever I’ve heard one. However, when you hear the Allman Brothers, who are famous for a great many things, inside the country world and out, you don’t think “Oh that’s not country” you think “Oh wow, I can see how this inspired so many of my favorite country singers and how their influences are enmeshed into songs today.” Up and down Broadway, in honky-tonks, bars and theatres everywhere, you can hear artists plying their craft. A note here, a strum there, the hints of Allman, Skynyrd and Creedence is almost something you can physically see. As the fluidity of genre definition floats about, moving from Venn diagram to Venn diagram, it is so interesting to see the effect that it has had on the music we hear today. True, the Allman Brothers were never branded with a fire-hot “COUNTRY” iron, not as well-defined within the genre as the legacy of Jennings, Jones and Hagard. But if you ask many a country singer today, chances are the Allman Brothers or someone like them will have been an influence. Not only are the Allman Brothers a fantastic band, their stories resonate so well within the country cosm and outside of it. “Ramblin Man” is about a gypsy soul, a man who can’t stay in one place too long. He’s got to travel, to explore, to live! Loves who he’s with when he’s there but when the time comes for living, he’s got to go. Born a ramblin’ soul, it’s in his blood more than picket fence ever was. The chorus says it all 

“Lord, I was born a ramblin' man,

Tryin' to make a livin' and doin' the best I can.

And when it's time for leavin',

I hope you'll understand,

That I was born a ramblin' man.”

Untold country songs have been inspired by this mentality and this song. The lifestyle of a “Ramblin’ Man” never sounded so alluring.

WAY BACK WHEN WEDNESDAY: "THINKIN' PROBLEM" - DAVID BALL

Contributor: Alyse Smith
Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300

This Way Back When Wednesday I present to you David Ball’s “Thinkin’ Problem!” 20 years ago, the song that launched Ball’s career was released. “Thinkin’ Problem” was the debut album for Ball’s solo career as he had had a Texas band before he packed up the truck and headed to Nashville. It went platinum over platinum and the singles off of it charted with absurd skyrocketing success. The perfect mix of old with new emerging country went over like gangbusters between Nashville and Texas both. So much so, he was nominated for a Grammy the following year. Today, this song hasn’t missed a step proving that it spans so much of country music and the years from then until now. He’s also famous for “Riding with Private Malone” a great story about a guy, a veteran’s Corvette, and a hero that saved more lives than anyone would have thought. “Thinkin’ Problem” is about a girl who he just can’t get off his mind. It’s not a typically uplifting song but I defy you not to smile when you hear this song. “Yes I do admit…” Anytime anyone hears David Ball they’re going to smile, it’s a law of nature, much as Einstein or Newton has professed them before.

LISTEN HERE - http://youtu.be/YUqXWWb_ifA

WAY BACK WHEN WEDNESDAY - "WHOSE BED HAVE YOUR BOOTS BEEN UNDER?" - SHANIA TWAIN

Contributor: Alyse Smith
Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300

As it’s the first “Way Back When Wednesday” of December I figured we needed a song that lit a fire within us. Of course, Shania Twain was the logical first choice, as she made such a splash with her first racy music video of the 90’s. Blatantly displaying mid-riff as she did in “Any Man Of Mine” was considered scandalous and simply not done in country music. The risky move she made paid off largely and she backed it up with immense vocals, catchy songs and songwriting that displays both unusual expertise and longevity. Her 2nd studio album “The Woman In Me” burst onto the scene in 1995 containing both “Any Man Of Mine” and “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under” which was the lead single off of it. Co-written by Shania Twain and her then-soon-to-be husband/producer Mutt Lange, the single shot up in the charts with alarming alacrity. “Meteoric rise” and “flash in the pan” were terms bandied about to speak of Twain’s promise and career thus far. Critics were not impressed by her sexy sales and her unabashed zest to include a younger audience in her music and career. They figured that she wouldn’t last and they were wrong. Some of her greatest hits have come off of that album and she only went “Up!” from there. Still loved by millions today, she is ubiquitous when it comes to 90’s, 00’s, or any country music since she made her memorable debut. “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under” epitomizes catchy and is a cheating song. An unusual combination especially at the time, the song asks the ever-present query of where do you lay your head or rather those boots when they’re not here? The way this song is crafted is a testament to the writing skill of Twain and Lange, the performance skill of Twain and the backup vocalists. Rarely do cheating songs energize as thusly as this one does so may this curious oeuvre get you up and moving this cold December day!

WAY BACK WEDNESDAY - "LUCKENBACH, TEXAS" - WAYLON JENNINGS

Contributor: Alyse Smith
Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300

I figured for this week’s Way Back When Wednesday, a special Thanksgiving treat was needed.  So thus, I present to you one of history’s best songs by the one and only (except for Shooter) Waylon Jennings. "Luckenbach, Texas" it is!  Not only is it a phenomenal ageless song that you’re hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t love it, it also is quite relevant for the upcoming holiday. Luckenbach speaks about all the material stuff is great but if you’re away from all that matters, you’re going to be miserable.  Away from family and friends and most importantly home.  High society’s not feeling like home here and they’re just miserable running that rat race needing to get home to Texas where they’ll find themselves again surrounded by good people and good music.  This life right now has them off-kilter and all the shiny things in the world whilst pretty ain’t helping any.  I mean it was a nice idea but they’ve lost so much of what makes them them and there’s no point living in a gilded cage.  Hock the ring, grab the jeans and head south with good music blasting out the speakers.

Page after page could be written on this song for its brilliance in every facet, the story, the voices, the men behind the voices… Ceaseless scrawls lauding what has survived decades and faltered none. Written by Bobby Emmons and Chips Moman in 1977, Luckenbach made its first appearance by being the lead single off Waylon’s “Ol’ Waylon” album.  Waylon famously sings with his good buddy Willie Nelson on here and it is a beautiful sound.  For all its many versions there’s always accompaniment by friends and legendary songsters.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by all sorts of lovely people!

Check out the "Approved By Jessi Colter" amped up cover by Christian Kane

WAY BACK WHEN WEDNESDAY - "I CAN STILL MAKE CHEYENNE" - GEORGE STRAIT

Contributor: Alyse Smith
Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300

It’s almost downright frigid outside but inside we’ve got blankets, fires and whiskey.  Perhaps this song choice should’ve been “The Fireman” because that sounds like a near-lethal if warm combination.  Hopefully, it’s warm wherever this reaches you, dear reader.  Not even Thanksgiving yet and the snow and ice have prevailed bringing with them single digit temperatures and wicked winds.  A warmer weekend bodes less of a bite in the wind and more than a nip of something to keep the fires within us stoked.

This week’s feature, “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” has been one of my George Strait favorites for as long as I can remember.  The aptly named King George has had a tremendous olio of hits so deciding what curries favor over another is a difficult process indeed.  “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” was written by Aaron Barker and Erv Woolsey and released on Strait’s 1996 “Blue Clear Sky” album.  Barker has written for Strait since ’88 and continued a presence on Strait’s albums right up until the cowboy rode away.  Not only has he written for the King of country music, he’s also written for the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley.  A singer-songwriter himself, Barker is now focusing on his own music.  Those that have written for multi-genre royalty are a rarity so make sure if you ever have the opportunity to catch a show not to miss out!  Still engaging in the music business from the business side of it, Woolsey remains Strait’s manager since the early days of his career.

 “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” is about a cowboy torn between his two loves, bull-riding and the woman on the end of the line.  The adrenaline-fueled life leaves nothing but loneliness when those 8 seconds are over so he calls her tells her he’s alright and he’s coming home.  She’s not waiting any longer because she found someone that’s home and she doesn’t have to worry about.  As she had made the decision for him, his heart broke but for a moment before he headed onto Cheyenne.  He doesn’t fault her decision nor the time they’d had together, he simply tells her he’ll miss her and heads on his way.  Though not a happy song, it would appear they both go after what they want most.

WAY BACK WHEN WEDNESDAY - "NO GETTIN' OVER ME" - RONNIE MILSAP

Contributor: Alyse Smith
Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300

It’s Way Back Wednesday again and Thanksgiving is creeping up on us close…  Before you know it, it’ll be Christmas.  According to the stores, Christmas starts the day after Halloween but that’s neither here nor there.  Before we delve into this week’s song, I’d like to take a minute to acknowledge that both the Marine Corps birthday and Veteran’s Day happened this week.  Please join me in yelling “Happy 239th Birthday Marines! You carry those years well! Hope the week’s celebrations are great!” and also to thank and commend the Veterans for their service.  It is a valiant job when instead of running away from the danger, you run towards it and save not only your fellow enlisted but keep all of us stateside safe as well.  I’m glad you’re home safe.  Active military, please stay safe out there as well.  Onto this week’s song! “No Gettin’ Over Me” was the title track of Ronnie Milsap’s turn of the decade album, released in 1980.  It was written by Tom Brasfield and Walt Aldridge.  According to Ronnie’s website bio, he was aspiring vocally towards a James Taylor-esque sound in this song. What makes this song unusual are the jazz influences it has.  There are pop influences as well but those don’t sound as strange given that weaving the pop music of the time has been a tried and true practice for decades.  Uncommon both today and in the 80’s, the horn section in this song makes me wonder why there historically hasn’t been a stronger practice of implementing a brass section in one’s music.  Aside from special live performances and Zac Brown Band’s “Uncaged” you are hard pressed to find discernable bits of trumpet or horn anywhere. Ronnie’s honeyed vocals melt well into the brass section and create a 3 minute reprieve of peace and calm.

Now in his 70’s, Ronnie continues to create music and is currently on tour.  In fact, his latest album “Summer Number 17” was released earlier this year.  He also has a Thanksgiving show at the Country Music Hall Of Fame.

Like good fried chicken, the lyrics here are classic and simple done right.

WAY BACK WHEN WEDNESDAY - "TRAVELIN' BAND" - CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL

This Wednesday we’re heading back to the prevalence of Woodstock. While there is very little I love more than music and the music festivals of today, I imagine that Woodstock before it had been sullied with the absence of good music and the overabundance of hard drugs must’ve been an incomparable sight to see.  For all the books detailing it and the music surrounding it, the experience would have been another ballgame entirely.  Nevertheless it is an experience to dive into the music that was begat of that era.  The music that the subculture at the time had spawned tells a little of the story of what it would have been like then, hinting of the life and energy teeming from the microcosm.  Creedence Clearwater Revival is emblematic of this time, as their heyday as a touring band was solely in this time period.  Their music still lives on today with a little of their soul encapsulated in each song.  “Travelin’ Band” is a short song at just over 2 minutes but that’s all takes for you to be transplanted into another world.  It’s always the songwriter and artist’s ambition to convey an entire story in under 4 minutes and many have taken their inspiration from (writer and lead vocalist) John Fogerty and CCR but none have done it quite so well in such a short time.  An entire world that most are not privy to but so many aspire to explore.  Hectic flights, aching to get to the night’s hotel to crash on whatever bed’s there, too tired to care about the lost luggage, gotta get up and move!  Play a show, get the people dancin’ and movin’ and whoops they got a little out of control last night.  This was released in 1970 off of their “Cosmos Factory” album at the apex of their short-lived though prolific career.  “Cosmos Factory” also housed hits such as “Lookin’ Out My Back Door,” “Who’ll Stop The Rain” and “Long As I Can See The Light.”  This song, this band and John Fogerty of his own right are all so universally loved that even Garth Brooks cites growing up with them as an influence.  Though this song and band could be written about and lauded interminably, there is not a need to do so any further.

Contributor: Alyse Smith
Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300

WAY BACK WHEN WEDNESDAY - "I FEEL LUCKY" - MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER

Contributor: Alyse Smith

Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300

It’s nearly Halloween and with that a Way Back When song that matches our lust for the holiday and all that it embodies. The zest for luck, for free candy that we are to willingly accept from strangers as children in our Halloween best. The costume we’ve stressed to exemplify our creative side and pay homage to our favorite characters. Upon growing up, we’re rewarded with grown-up candy and a reason to celebrate with our friends and get a little rowdy, our costumes still representing our creative side (and on some are pretty much the same size.) Any other day it would seem strange to accept a shot from a serial killer or candy from a stranger. We shall trust in the holiday for this celebration and this celebration only. For today we shall seize our luck regardless of the circumstances or superstitions presented to us. Luck, superstition and lore are as old as time itself, as old as stories themselves are. This song however, appeared first in 1990. On VHS, no less! An antiquated form of media that has yet to make the resurgence that vinyl is making. After that, it appeared on Mary Chapin Carpenter’s third album, the Grammy-winning “Come On Come On.” Yes indeed, it is the famed and beloved “I Feel Lucky.”

“I Feel Lucky” was written by Mary Chapin Carpenter and Don Schlitz. One of Mary Chapin’s better known songs, it’s a song about finding your own luck and refusing to quit even when it looks ominous. She takes risks when both common sense and superstition would tell her not to and it pays off. She ends up a multi-millionaire with her celebrity crushes on either side of her. Growing up, Mary Chapin was right alongside with the Judds as one of my favorite female voices. That has not changed, not only can she belt it out but she can tell a story like no other! This Halloween let’s follow the examples of Carpenter and Schlitz and seek out that what we most want. Even if it seems impossible remember that it’s Halloween and anything can happen! At the very least you could end up with a prop lotto ticket and 2 guys (or girls) dressed as your celebrity crushes. Regardless, dress up, go out and make your own luck! Have a helluva night even if it’s just watching all the creatively garbed stumble about. 

Happy Halloween Everyone!

WAY BACK WHEN WEDNESDAY: "EVERYTHING THAT GLITTERS (IS NOT GOLD)" - DAN SEALS

As leaves change and we dive back some 30 years through Halloweens and Thanksgivings past, deep in the recesses we find today’s “Way Back When Wednesday” with Dan Seals singing “Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold).”

Written by Dan Seals and Bob McDill, this song debuted on Seals’ album “Won’t Be Blue Anymore” in 1985. “Won’t Be Blue Anymore” was Seals’ fifth album and first with Capitol Records. This was where Seals really started to come into his own as an artist, as this album also contained “Bop” and preceded a lot of his more well-known songs - “Big Wheels In The Moonlight” “Rage On” “Love On Arrival” along with his “In A Quiet Room” releases all followed in short order. There’s never been a voice that sounds like Seals, though many have tried. The purity and presence in his voice and writing is rarely found in music today. Sometimes you just have to go back and listen to the classics and this is one of them.

A great story about life at the rodeo, Seals reveals a story about a man working the circuit who fell in love with the star of the show. They had a kid together but when her career took off she left both of them in the dust without a second thought. The girl that radiated light and life only did so when she was in the spotlight. As that was all she craved, she sought it, got it and never looked back.

(Editor's note: Having completed rounds of radiation treatments for Mantle Cell Lymphoma at Nashville's Vanderbilt University Medical Center and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and receiving a stem cell transplant at NIH in Maryland, Dan Seals passed away only a few short years ago on March  25, in Nashville at the age of 61. Rest in peace, Dan and thank you for great musical memories such as this that time will not forget nor take for granted. - Jenn)

Check out Jake Owen’s cover as a tribute to Dan Seals

Contributor: Alyse Smith Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300

WAY BACK WHEN WEDNESDAY - "WHEN MY SHIP COMES IN" - CLINT BLACK

Contributor: Alyse Smith

Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300

We’re reaching back to the beginning of a decade that spawned some of country music’s greats.  Several memorable songs and singers with a distinctive sound.  The decade that brought us Lonestar, Shania Twain, Mark McGuinn, Trick Pony, Terri Clark and finally Clint Black.  These are the artists whose music is timeless and thus are still for the most part around today.  The most famous example is obviously Garth Brooks and his new tour.

Clint Black co-wrote “When My Ship Comes In” with Hayden Nicolas.  Back in the late 80’s, Black had yet to achieve prominence or find that career-launching spark he was looking for.  He and Nicolas met, started writing and went from there.  That spark was ignited instantaneously and Nicolas became Black’s most frequent co-writer, along with his band leader.  (Credit to: Allmusic’s Hayden Nicolas Artist Biography) Still today, they write and play together.  A guitar prodigy, a novelist and a phenomenal vocalist walked into a bar and started writing.  What came of it was this song and many, many others.

 “When My Ship Comes In” is an uplifting song about someone’s bad luck changing.  A dreary, sunless day he can’t help but feel excited about his luck changing soon.  He daydreams about the places he’ll go and the things he’ll do.  Oh it’s going to happen, just you wait.  Obviously, the best dreary day song ever.  His spirit is infectious and a great way to start your own stalled, dreary day.  A way to get away from the impending snow and cold, grab your dog and sail away towards warmth and adventure.  At least that’s what the protagonist did in this video. A 5 minute daydream to start/improve your day - here you go.


Connect with Clint via social media on Twitter and Facebook. He is very hands on with both accounts and is great with connecting with his fans and realizes the importance of that connection and enjoys it. Also be sure to check out his website - www.ClintBlack.com for the latest news on new music and tour dates!