BILL BLOG
Monday April 8, 2024
Eclipse Monday in Music City…and everywhere else too! So the forecast here is partly dark today.
THE WEEKEND
I rolled into Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Saturday afternoon and on the way got note from my friend Monique Henry who lives in Wisconsin. She had read my Facebook Page noting I was playing three shows in Dollywood. So she was texting to let me know her husband Doug Henry, a former Major League pitcher was just up the road on the coaching staff for the Huntsville Trash Panda’s (love that name) playing the Tennessee Smokies AA team. So I called Doug and he left a ticket for me for the game Friday night.
We got to spend quite a bit of time down in the bullpen area catching up.
I got to know Doug and Monique when Doug was the closer for the Milwaukee Brewers and we’ve stayed in touch ever since. His baseball career as a player and coach has kept him in the game for long time and he’s still enjoying working with the kids down in the minors. It was so great seeing him at the part Saturday night.
Heck, Doug even has a movie cameo in the movie “Mr. 3000” that starred comedian starring Bernie Mac. Doug was pitching to Bernie in the movie at old County Stadium in Milwaukee. And he got his World Series ring a few years back when he was the bullpen coach for the Kansas City Royals, the year the Royals carried home the World Series trophy. He’s had a fun baseball life…still is. We should all be so blessed.
DOLLYWOOD SHOWS
Our “Hits & Grins” trio had three great shows at Dollywood on Sunday. Great crowds. Man, the staff, sound guys, everyone connected with these songwriter concerts? First class.
Our friend Lauren Mascitti surprised us and dropped by for one of our shows and had lunch with us afterwards.
And…she left me a nice surprise. The trio she sings with “Three Times A Lady” performs 5 days a week at Dollywood on the same stage we played singing those great songs of “The Trio” that featured Linda Ronstadt, Emmy Lou Harris, and Dolly Parton. They just recorded a “live” album and Lauren gave me an advance copy of it.
This great album features a song on it that I wrote with Lauren and our friend Kristen Bearfield titled “Come Back To Me” and it sounds amazing with all that great three girl harmony on it. AND…Lauren gives me a nice shoutout on the album as well. Pretty cool. The album releases May 16 with an album premier party at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville where this “live” album was recorded. If you’re in town go catch these girls. You’ll thank me later.
BEST WISHES TO
Country artist-rapper Colt Ford who had a heart attack over the weekend after a show in Arizona. He’s in stable but critical condition. Here’s to a complete recovery.
Colt sang a part on a funny song I wrote with Cledus T. Judd titled “Luke Bryan” and his rap part is just so great on this. If you’ve not heard it…check it out HERE.
Get better Colt.
HEALTH NOTES
A study claims drinking apple cider vinegar each day promotes weight loss. (I’d have to hold my nose before even trying that)
The CDC has issued a bird flu warning after a farm worker became infected.
A new health study reminds us that cigarettes can destroy the lungs, but vaping can harm the heart.
BEST ECLIPSE T-SHIRT
I don’t think this is what Paul Simon was thinking about when he wrote “Sounds ofSilence”…but pretty cool.
WATCH THIS
If you’re not hip to the Savannah Bananas Baseball team…they are basically the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball. Fun…funny…but they can still make amazing plays. Watchoutfielder DR Meadows in centerfield toss his glove off as a pop fly is coming to him then do a back flip and catching the ball with his bare hand! Amazing. Meadow Lark Lemmon would have been proud.
CMT AWARDS
Those were last night. Video awards for country music folks. Jelly Roll was the big winner…several awards went home with him. Jelly Roll is on a roll.
But maybe the best part of the show was the tribute to the now late Toby Keith including a moment when all the stars paying tribute to him lift up red solo cups. RIP Toby.
DIFFERENT ERA
Forbes says that none of the billionaires under the age of 30 are self-made. That’s the first time that’s happened in over 30 years. Inheritance can be a very good thing. I’m hoping against hope I know but…if someone wants to leave me a billion bucks…I can live with not being self-made.
OLD MAN
John Alfred Tinniswood is now the oldest man living. 111 years old living in England. His key to a long life? Luck…and fish and chips. And he looks pretty danged good for 111…so I think I’ll visit the fish market today.
HEADLINE OF THE DAY
Caitlyn Clark Canonized As Saint After Performing Miracle Of Making Women’s Basketball More Watchable.
TODAY
It’s packing day for a trip to Germany for me and my wife. We’re headed over to spend some time there, and some in Austria with our daughter Heather and son in law Casey. There’s like an 8 hour time difference so this Blog is going to be posted with an 8 hour difference as well. Going to be a lot of pictures from Europe for the next little while.
Have a great Monday!
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