BILL BLOG
Friday September 19, 2025
It’s Friday, and I’m getting ready to head back home to Nashville. 89 degrees high in Chattanooga today.
YESTERDAY
It was all about the IBMA Bluegrass Awards Show here in Chattanooga, hosted by Steve Martin and Alison Brown.
Steve not only co-hosted, but he and Alison also played last night. And no…he was not a “wild and crazy guy” last night, but he was terrific as a co-host. And THIS IS THE SONG they performed last night.
The show was held in the beautiful Tivoli Theater, packed with bluegrass players and fans from around the world. The song “Blue Collar Gospel,” recorded by Jerry Salley & The Oak Ridge Boys, which I wrote with Jerry and Rick Lang, was part of the first IBMA Award given last night.
The award went to a very young, talented Jaelee Roberts for her recording of “He’s Gone”.
Although we did not win, it was extraordinary to be nominated and to see and hear a part of a song you wrote on the big screen during the show last night. And it was great getting to hang with so many talented folks the past couple of days, including Jerry Salley, who tried to pull off an Eric Church impersonation during a radio interview.
My friends Darin and Brooke Aldridge sat right behind me last night.
They too were nominated last night in the same category, and Brooke was nominated as "Female Vocalist of the Year" but they did not win either. I turned to them and told them, "we're such losers"! To which Brooke replied, "I'm glad I'm a loser with you". Made me laugh.
And my publisher, Joe Dan Cornett, had the seat next to mine. So I was in good company.
And you never knew who you were going to see, just walking around, including superstar Billy Strings, who was named “Entertainer of the Year” lasts night.
So, I’m grateful for the experience…and it won’t be my last time attending this great event.
SONG OF THE DAY
Sitting two rows in front of me last night was Laura Leigh Jones. I hollered at her, and we did a little fist bump celebration as her new single “Sun Can’t Stop The Rain” has been released as of today, worldwide. And I’m proud to be her co-writer on this first single that will be on her upcoming album. Bluegrass greats Justin Moses and his wife Sierra Hull were seated next to Laura, and the two of them BOTH won awards last night. Justin won for “Best Dobro Player, and Sierra won for “Best Mandolin Player”. That's a pretty good night for that married couple!
And those two produced this new album for their friend Laura Leigh, and played on it as well. You’ll hear those talents if you click on the link above to hear today’s choice for “Song of the Day”.
HEALTH NOTES
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s new vaccine panel voted yesterday to no longer recommend a combination shot protecting against chickenpox, measles, mumps, and rubella for young children.
The US is tracking 14 potential rabies outbreaks in some 20 states right now.
Experts claim that at least 25 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise and 30-60 minutes of light daily activity has the biggest impact on lowering the risk of work burnout.
HERE’S YOUR SIGN
I’ll have the chicken noodle, please.
SCANDAL
In Scotland, they have a stone skipping competition. This year…controversy as one contestant was accused of using stones that were “suspiciously round”. Who knew that was illegal?! For that matter, who knew there was a major stone skipping competition each year?
Folks who are really good at skipping stones can skip them a long way. 177 meters for some. What’s a stone skipping competition look like? Check out this VIDEO.
MARRIAGE QUOTE
This one from the late Henny Youngman, who once claimed that his wife “dresses to kill, and cooks the same”.
TODAY’S HEADLINE
Driver Argues Truck Not Too Close To Tracks, Train Proves Him Wrong. (Bad argument to lose)
TODAY
Back to Nashville after a great two days of hanging with those in the bluegrass industry. And somehow, I’m leaving without buying a banjo.
THE WEEKEND
Tomorrow at noon, my friend Steve Dean and I will be playing a songwriter show in the Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Our 5th time getting to this, and it’s always special. It’s a 45-minute show with a Q&A session with the audience. Admission is free with your museum ticket.
Have a great weekend!
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