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An emotional night

Posted on May 7, 2007 at 3:38 PM

Okay. So the last time I left off I was heading to Jason Aldean's platinum party- It was a nice turn out. I asked Jason now that he's watched his debut CD become certified one million in sales if he can enjoy the time a little bit. His answer? "I just can't wait for the new cd to come out." I guess there is no rest for the success-ful! And rightfully so.

Tonight the event I covered proved that. Artists that never slowed down, and some that continue to dominate the charts even after 30 years in this business.I had the honor of covering the annual "Medallion Ceremony" at the Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum. First of all, can I tell you guys it was like a dream, very surreal! The night is to give out the medallions to those artists who have been inducted into the Hall Of Fame. This years recipients were Sonny James-an artist who dominated the charts during the 60's, most recognized for his hit "Young Love"/ Harold Bradley-one of the original A list session players who has played on more sessions then any other musician-having recorded with Elvis to Patsy Cline/ George Strait-well you know him!

Other Hall Of Famers came out to show support and pay tribute-Porter, The Jordanaires, Phil Everly, Alabama, George Jones, Brenda Lee. In addition to the Hall Of Famers, there were others - Vince Gill, Reba, Lee Ann Womack , Trace Adkins.

By the way, tonight marks the first time ever that I have interviewed George Strait. In the 15 years that I have been in radio and television I have never interviewed the "elusive", Mr. Strait. I had one more question for him on the red carpet, I was going to ask him about his upcoming birthday, (he turns 55 on May 18th) but his publicist , who are always right behind their artist, was giving the shut up sign, the he-has-to-go-sign. I don't know about everyone but I always think : "do I ask another question cause I may never get this chance" or do I shutup. You never want to get the publicists mad at you because next time they could take their artist past you on the red carpet, so I shutup. Ha!

At one point during the night, I looked over, just 2 feet from me stood Reba. She was taking pictures with the legendary producer Jimmy Bowen who produced a ton on George Strait. At that moment it was another "I can't believe this is my life". When I was in high school I would read about Bowen, afterall his name was on tons of country albums and I would later come to find out that he also worked with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin , my Dads' music! I've met Reba, interviewed her a bunch but I never get over the fact that she, mostly, her music is why I have found my way to where I am, doing what I do and loving it. Reba performed "I Fall To Pieces" during the part of show, honoring Harold Bradley. Bradley had played on that session , in fact on many of Patsys sessions. Reba told the story of meeting Harold and asking him about "what Patsy was really like". Patsy was someone Reba has always said she was sorry she didn't get to meet.

Randy Owen performed during Sonny James getting honored. Randy told me he was nervous about performing during Sonny's tribute, hoping that he would be able to get through the song without getting emotional. It was an emotional night. Trace Adkins said he felt the pressure and that he'd never been so nervous standing up there in front of all those legends in one room to perform Conway Twitty's "Hello Darlin'" , a session Harold Bradley played on. By the way Trace nailed it! Womack , Alan Jackson all sang during George Straits tribute , even George himself got up to sing "Amarillo By Morning".

The stars were certainly out tonight and I felt that they shone brighter here in Nashville more than any other place in the world. Tonights memories will stay with me for years to come. I'm glad I can pass them on to you guys. Thanks for the time. S

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