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Headlines http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm Mon, 04 Jul 2011 09:51:15 GMT http://bandzoogle.com Songwriter http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm?feature=899119&postid=1079862 A few thoughts on being a songwriter ... Write. Then ... Write more songs... Never ever get married to the songs you have written... They are only songs you have written ... They are what they are and they will serve you best as what you have done ... not what you will do ... So ... Just write more of them. Then when you've written more songs, write some more. When you have done that, write 500 more. Then when you have done that, write 1000 more. Then write some more. Write everyday. Write every night. Fall asleep writing. Wake up writing. Write when you're driving. Write when you're eating. Figure out how to write while you are sleeping. Never go to sleep without a pen and paper by your bed so if you dream an idea you can write it down. Ok? So, yes you write songs that are better than the songs that are on the radio. So what. Really! So what? Who gives a rat's ass? You may even think most of those songs suck. But always bear in mind that there are millions and millions of people who think those songs are the absolute greatest songs they have EVER heard!!! What if your song is better than the song on the radio? Big deal. It just doesn't matter. That is not why you write if you are a writer. You write because you love to write. So write. Write more. And write better. If you are a songwriter, that is what you are here for ... And face this: your songs suck. If you don't believe me, read the words to 5 Hank Williams songs, then 5 Bob Dylan songs, then 5 Leonard Cohen songs, then 5 Bruce Springsteen songs, then 5 Harlan Howard songs ... then 5 of your songs ... do you see how much your songs suck? If you don't understand why and how much your songs suck, please quit writing. Then, understand this. There are reasons your songs suck in comparison to these giants. One of those reasons is you don’t get to read their songs that suck... believe me... they wrote and write songs that suck. Another more important reason is you are simply not that good yet. Your only chance is to make it your goal to write as well as they do and did. If it isn't your goal to be that good, quit now. I'm not saying write like they do. You can't. Find your own voice as a writer and write until your brain bleeds songs. Write until it hurts. Write until your swear you never want to write another word. Write until you don't care who likes it.... write until the only thing that matters is whether or not you like what you write. Commit to giving it everything you have and then finding more in your soul you never knew was there and give that too ... never ever give up ... but please do yourself and the rest of the world a favor and quit now if you are not willing to lose everything just to write better and better and better... even when it seems like you are writing worse than ever ... what matters is the writing because writing is how you get better at writing ... Somehow, figure out how to never lie to yourself about how good your work is and you will be a little bit ahead ... but only a little ... because if you are going to be a great writer, you better be able to lie your ass off ... and be truthful about it! These are a few things I have discovered ... It is not an easy job. Why should it be easy? One of the few things I have learned about songwriting is it is the hardest job I have ever laid my hand to ... because I love it so deeply... because I want so badly to write well. I want to be excellent. I do not want to lift the pen until my work is excellent. There are no short cuts. There is only the work ... the work that starts with an idea ... and sometimes the idea that isn't even there until after the work starts! It is confusing. It is maddening. It will mock you with how little it matters all while it is the only thing that seems to matter in the end. It is an easy job... it is the easiest job I know of ... because I love it so deeply ... why shouldn't it be easy? Sometimes it is almost too easy ... I sit around daydreaming and out pops the song seems to write itself ... as if it is already written and I am only a scribe ... I might get a callous on my finger. My neck might hurt from sitting still too long. At the very worst, someone might not like my song! I poked a "b" string in my thumb the other day while changing strings. It hurt like hell and bled for 30 minutes. These are my job hazards ... what a cushy gig!!! I spend time trying to make up lines that rhyme! The hardest thing about that is over the last few years I have committed to hard rhymes ... you know, where "line" and "time" don't rhyme but "time" and "rhyme" do ... and guess what... my computer can help me rhyme!! They have a website for that ... I hang out with really well read interesting people who are trying to do what I do ... make up a great song! we laugh and joke and alter our states of consciousness ... or not ... and we make up silly songs, fun songs, love songs, social statement songs, redneck songs, pinko commie songs, left songs, right songs, middle of the road songs, country songs, pop songs, rock songs, aaa songs, americana songs, r&b songs... songs songs songs and more songs ... we record them and put them on our own cds or make demonstration versions and pitch them to famous artists who mostly turn them down but when they cut them we make a pretty darn good living!! I watch movies and get ideas... I read books and get ideas... I read a LOT!!!... books, magazines, newspapers, blogs, church signs, quotes, poetry, song lyrics, essays... I read because I am INTERESTED... but even more ... I am in love with words... they make my heart sing. I pour words in so I can pour words out ... I go to concerts and get ideas ... I need the inspiration I get from watching my peers and heroes. I play with my kids and get ideas ... They are honest and I have learned how not to be and I need the reminder of what honesty sounds and feels like! I hang out with interesting people and get ideas ... I love people who are ALIVE!! But mostly I just sit around and wonder about life and love and happiness and sadness and money and relationships and I observe and pay close attention ... and turn those observations into songs. and that's my easy job! I hate shitty songs. Believe me, I have made up plenty of shitty songs. But every single one of them moved me one breath closer to being a good writer. I have written some songs I think are just awesome works of art ... and then I read a Hank Williams lyric and realize how pitiful my attempts are and how far I have to go ... If you are not a writer, you will think all the above is somewhat crazy ... If you are a writer you will know for sure ... If you are not a writer, lack of money, respect or love will make you "get a real job" and lay down the pen and confess to the foolishness of such a crazy dream ... If you are a writer you will write and nothing will stop you even if you starve to death alone in an alley trying to scratch some idea into the pavement with your fingernail. If you are not a writer, you will find an excuse to not write ... there are plenty... and you will find a better way of making a living and you will be just fine ... even happy... and what you don't write will not be missed. If you are a writer you will still find an excuse to not write ... there are plenty ... you will try to find a better way of making a living and you will not be just fine and you will not be happy and you will be haunted every waking and sleeping moment by what you have not written. And you will be miserable until you write it down... and then write some more ... and some more and some more ... Why are you reading this? Why aren't you writing? The second of those two questions is the most important ... Peace Chuck
Write.

Then ...

Write more songs... Never ever get married to the songs you have written... They are only songs you have written ... They are what they are and they will serve you best as what you have done ... not what you will do ...

So ...

Just write more of them. Then when you've written more songs, write some more.

When you have done that, write 500 more.

Then when you have done that, write 1000 more.

Then write some more. Write everyday. Write every night. Fall asleep writing. Wake up writing. Write when you're driving. Write when you're eating. Figure out how to write while you are sleeping. Never go to sleep without a pen and paper by your bed so if you dream an idea you can write it down.

Ok?

So, yes you write songs that are better than the songs that are on the radio. So what. Really! So what? Who gives a rat's ass? You may even think most of those songs suck. But always bear in mind that there are millions and millions of people who think those songs are the absolute greatest songs they have EVER heard!!!

What if your song is better than the song on the radio? Big deal. It just doesn't matter. That is not why you write if you are a writer. You write because you love to write. So write. Write more. And write better. If you are a songwriter, that is what you are here for ...

And face this: your songs suck. If you don't believe me, read the words to 5 Hank Williams songs, then 5 Bob Dylan songs, then 5 Leonard Cohen songs, then 5 Bruce Springsteen songs, then 5 Harlan Howard songs ... then 5 of your songs ... do you see how much your songs suck? If you don't understand why and how much your songs suck, please quit writing.

Then, understand this. There are reasons your songs suck in comparison to these giants. One of those reasons is you don’t get to read their songs that suck... believe me... they wrote and write songs that suck. Another more important reason is you are simply not that good yet. Your only chance is to make it your goal to write as well as they do and did. If it isn't your goal to be that good, quit now. I'm not saying write like they do. You can't. Find your own voice as a writer and write until your brain bleeds songs. Write until it hurts. Write until your swear you never want to write another word. Write until you don't care who likes it.... write until the only thing that matters is whether or not you like what you write. Commit to giving it everything you have and then finding more in your soul you never knew was there and give that too ... never ever give up ... but please do yourself and the rest of the world a favor and quit now if you are not willing to lose everything just to write better and better and better... even when it seems like you are writing worse than ever ... what matters is the writing because writing is how you get better at writing ...

Somehow, figure out how to never lie to yourself about how good your work is and you will be a little bit ahead ... but only a little ... because if you are going to be a great writer, you better be able to lie your ass off ... and be truthful about it!

These are a few things I have discovered ...

It is not an easy job. Why should it be easy? One of the few things I have learned about songwriting is it is the hardest job I have ever laid my hand to ... because I love it so deeply... because I want so badly to write well. I want to be excellent. I do not want to lift the pen until my work is excellent. There are no short cuts. There is only the work ... the work that starts with an idea ... and sometimes the idea that isn't even there until after the work starts! It is confusing. It is maddening. It will mock you with how little it matters all while it is the only thing that seems to matter in the end.

It is an easy job... it is the easiest job I know of ... because I love it so deeply ... why shouldn't it be easy? Sometimes it is almost too easy ... I sit around daydreaming and out pops the song seems to write itself ... as if it is already written and I am only a scribe ... I might get a callous on my finger. My neck might hurt from sitting still too long. At the very worst, someone might not like my song! I poked a "b" string in my thumb the other day while changing strings. It hurt like hell and bled for 30 minutes. These are my job hazards ... what a cushy gig!!! I spend time trying to make up lines that rhyme! The hardest thing about that is over the last few years I have committed to hard rhymes ... you know, where "line" and "time" don't rhyme but "time" and "rhyme" do ... and guess what... my computer can help me rhyme!! They have a website for that ... I hang out with really well read interesting people who are trying to do what I do ... make up a great song! we laugh and joke and alter our states of consciousness ... or not ... and we make up silly songs, fun songs, love songs, social statement songs, redneck songs, pinko commie songs, left songs, right songs, middle of the road songs, country songs, pop songs, rock songs, aaa songs, americana songs, r&b songs... songs songs songs and more songs ... we record them and put them on our own cds or make demonstration versions and pitch them to famous artists who mostly turn them down but when they cut them we make a pretty darn good living!! I watch movies and get ideas... I read books and get ideas... I read a LOT!!!... books, magazines, newspapers, blogs, church signs, quotes, poetry, song lyrics, essays... I read because I am INTERESTED... but even more ... I am in love with words... they make my heart sing. I pour words in so I can pour words out ... I go to concerts and get ideas ... I need the inspiration I get from watching my peers and heroes. I play with my kids and get ideas ... They are honest and I have learned how not to be and I need the reminder of what honesty sounds and feels like! I hang out with interesting people and get ideas ... I love people who are ALIVE!! But mostly I just sit around and wonder about life and love and happiness and sadness and money and relationships and I observe and pay close attention ... and turn those observations into songs. and that's my easy job!

I hate shitty songs. Believe me, I have made up plenty of shitty songs. But every single one of them moved me one breath closer to being a good writer. I have written some songs I think are just awesome works of art ... and then I read a Hank Williams lyric and realize how pitiful my attempts are and how far I have to go ...

If you are not a writer, you will think all the above is somewhat crazy ...

If you are a writer you will know for sure ...

If you are not a writer, lack of money, respect or love will make you "get a real job" and lay down the pen and confess to the foolishness of such a crazy dream ...

If you are a writer you will write and nothing will stop you even if you starve to death alone in an alley trying to scratch some idea into the pavement with your fingernail.

If you are not a writer, you will find an excuse to not write ... there are plenty... and you will find a better way of making a living and you will be just fine ... even happy... and what you don't write will not be missed.

If you are a writer you will still find an excuse to not write ... there are plenty ... you will try to find a better way of making a living and you will not be just fine and you will not be happy and you will be haunted every waking and sleeping moment by what you have not written. And you will be miserable until you write it down... and then write some more ... and some more and some more ...

Why are you reading this? Why aren't you writing?

The second of those two questions is the most important ...

Peace
Chuck

]]> Mon, 04 Jul 2011 09:51:15 GMT 5CABE7CA32502D429C1E36938A820379 Light You Up single http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm?feature=899119&postid=573373  Shawn went to number 5 ... Thanks to all the fans who lit up the phone lines at the local radio stations!! Peace ~C
Peace
~C
]]> Sat, 13 Nov 2010 13:30:37 GMT E4CC8AE7729B102CE151EC5CE1486FEF Shawn Mullins' NEW ALBUM "LIGHT YOU UP" http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm?feature=899119&postid=443642 My good buddy Shawn Mullins has a brand new project coming soon ... It's called "LIGHT YOU UP" and having written some of the songs with Shawn, I ended up getting an advance copy ... the whole project, from start to finish, is crazy good!!!  It's an honor to be part of this project and even more an honor to call Shawn my dear friend ... Here's a recent 5 star review: Album Review: Shawn Mullins - Light You Up Light You Up will be released by Vanguard Records on October 12, 2010. Shawn Mullins "Light You Up"  Album Review:  Invoking the name of Johnny Cash can easily come off as an attempt to cash in on the legacy of one of music’s greatest icons (see: Jason Aldean’s “Johnny Cash”), but the spirit of The Man in Black is corporeal on Shawn Mullins’ thirteenth studio album, Light You Up. Haunting album highlight “The Ghost of Johnny Cash” paints the late country star as a patron saint of the downtrodden, through stunning lyrics that amount to breathtaking poetry: “Some sinners need their saints to be survivors of the fall/’Cause when you’re down here on your knees most angels look too tall,” sings Mullins, in a quiet growl. “So I’ll just live this life out, dust to dust and ash to ash/With my guide from the other side, the ghost of Johnny Cash.” Mullins doesn’t sing of this allegiance to the House of Cash only on “Ghost.” All of his songwriting-fearless, gritty and plump with stories about sin and redemption-owes a debt to Cash, Kristofferson and their ilk. “I turned 17 in the spring of 1861/I killed 20 men ‘fore I turned 21,” he sings on “Catoosa County,” a breathtaking tale of a young civil war soldier who would, “Place a hundred million dollar bounty/On the hate that makes the wars and digs the graves of Catoosa County.” Mullins’ veracity and eye for detail bring his songs to life in brilliant color, whether affecting chunks of Americana or more light-hearted fare; the album’s up-tempos, such as the sex-powered rocker “Light You Up,” are just as fully-formed as its more thematically adventurous numbers. Ultimately, however, it’s Mullins’ ability to call forth a spirit, to capture the hopelessness of an economically battered community (as he does on “Can’t Remember Summer”), or to make you smell the black powder and flesh emanating from a Georgia battlefield that are his greatest strengths. He’s a capable pop star, but an engrossing storyteller. Wrapped up in sparse, organic arrangements that remind of Cash’s late-life American recordings, the songs on Light You Up are fresh, incisive and wonderfully crafted. Light You Up isn’t just captivating-it’s essential. ????? <a href="http://americannoise.com/album-review-shawn-mullins-light-you-up/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(6, 88, 181); ">http://americannoise.com/album-review-shawn-mullins-light-you-up/
It's called "LIGHT YOU UP" and having written some of the songs with Shawn, I ended up getting an advance copy ... the whole project, from start to finish, is crazy good!!!

It's an honor to be part of this project and even more an honor to call Shawn my dear friend ...

Here's a recent 5 star review:

Album Review: Shawn Mullins - Light You Up

Light You Up will be released by Vanguard Records on October 12, 2010.

Shawn Mullins "Light You Up" Album Review:

Invoking the name of Johnny Cash can easily come off as an attempt to cash
in on the legacy of one of music’s greatest icons (see: Jason Aldean’s
“Johnny Cash”), but the spirit of The Man in Black is corporeal on Shawn
Mullins’ thirteenth studio album, Light You Up.

Haunting album highlight “The Ghost of Johnny Cash” paints the late
country star as a patron saint of the downtrodden, through stunning lyrics
that amount to breathtaking poetry: “Some sinners need their saints to be
survivors of the fall/’Cause when you’re down here on your knees most
angels look too tall,” sings Mullins, in a quiet growl. “So I’ll just
live this life out, dust to dust and ash to ash/With my guide from the other
side, the ghost of Johnny Cash.”

Mullins doesn’t sing of this allegiance to the House of Cash only on
“Ghost.” All of his songwriting-fearless, gritty and plump with stories
about sin and redemption-owes a debt to Cash, Kristofferson and their ilk.

“I turned 17 in the spring of 1861/I killed 20 men ‘fore I turned 21,” he
sings on “Catoosa County,” a breathtaking tale of a young civil war
soldier who would, “Place a hundred million dollar bounty/On the hate that
makes the wars and digs the graves of Catoosa County.”

Mullins’ veracity and eye for detail bring his songs to life in brilliant
color, whether affecting chunks of Americana or more light-hearted fare; the
album’s up-tempos, such as the sex-powered rocker “Light You Up,” are
just as fully-formed as its more thematically adventurous numbers.

Ultimately, however, it’s Mullins’ ability to call forth a spirit, to
capture the hopelessness of an economically battered community (as he does
on “Can’t Remember Summer”), or to make you smell the black powder and
flesh emanating from a Georgia battlefield that are his greatest strengths.

He’s a capable pop star, but an engrossing storyteller.

Wrapped up in sparse, organic arrangements that remind of Cash’s late-life
American recordings, the songs on Light You Up are fresh, incisive and
wonderfully crafted.

Light You Up isn’t just captivating-it’s essential.

?????

http://americannoise.com/album-review-shawn-mullins-light-you-up/]]> Tue, 14 Sep 2010 08:04:46 GMT 509334EE48D8C3D7227132BE1D39F75A I WILL NOT SAY GOODBYE http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm?feature=899119&postid=343986 Here's a link to a song I wrote back in 2007 that just became Danny Gokey's new single ... Danny is an incredible singer ... Check it out and tell me what you think  <a href="http://www.dannygokey.com/videos">http://www.dannygokey.com/videos
http://www.dannygokey.com/videos]]> Sat, 03 Jul 2010 11:50:56 GMT F5038F9F191D9CC072C61FC7745BF525 CAYAMO 2011 http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm?feature=899119&postid=318441  The music and the sea are calling. You’re invited to join us as we sail on the Norwegian Pearl through the Eastern Caribbean on Cayamo 2011: A Journey Through Song. We will be departing on a seven day journey from Miami on February 13th, 2011, and making three stops in breathtaking Tortola, St. Croix, and Great Stirrup Cay. We'll be joined by John Prine, Patty Griffin, Indigo Girls, Steve Earle, Brandi Carlile, Buddy Miller, Richard Thompson, Loudon Wainwright III and so many more wonderful artists. View a special invitation (<a href="http://www.cayamo.com/pleasejoinus">http://www.cayamo.com/pleasejoinus) to discover a full line up, event details and more information about how you can join us on Cayamo 2011 . Come spend this one-of-a-kind experience with us and create memories that will last a lifetime! The music and the sea are calling. You’re invited to join us as we sail on the Norwegian Pearl through the Eastern Caribbean on Cayamo 2011: A Journey Through Song. We will be departing on a seven day journey from Miami on February 13th, 2011, and making three stops in breathtaking Tortola, St. Croix, and Great Stirrup Cay. We'll be joined by John Prine, Patty Griffin, Indigo Girls, Steve Earle, Brandi Carlile, Buddy Miller, Richard Thompson, Loudon Wainwright III and so many more wonderful artists. View a special invitation (http://www.cayamo.com/pleasejoinus) to discover a full line up, event details and more information about how you can join us on Cayamo 2011 . Come spend this one-of-a-kind experience with us and create memories that will last a lifetime!]]> Fri, 11 Jun 2010 02:35:00 GMT 3D24328CECEF3053AD2FEF496CD2610C Cayamo to Santa Ynez http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm?feature=899119&postid=193880  Cayamo 2010 was so awesome ... I met hundreds of new fans and EVERYONE was so cool!! I got up Friday morning (well ... I never went to sleep actually) and caught a flight into Santa Barbara the got here around 5pm ... Played a short set Friday night then did a seminar Saturday then a show with Al Anderson  and jill Sobule on Saturday night ... I'm now about to shower and go do a show in San Luis Obispo ... This has been .... uh ... tiring ... to say the least but I love the shows and the fans ... More Soon ... Peace ~ Chuck
More Soon ...

Peace ~ Chuck]]> Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:57:41 GMT CF80EEAB8C5AC247CF2DF22E116321E9 Austin Songwriters Group http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm?feature=899119&postid=174531  I just got back from Austin .... And it's the same thing again ... when I leave  Austin,  I wanna go back ... NOW ... Everyone was so awesome ... Lee? how do you do it ... I met some seriously awesome songwriters ... hung out on stage with Austin Cunningham and Allen Shamblin ... And they're two of my all time favorite writers ... A large time was had by all more on this soon peace c
Everyone was so awesome ... Lee? how do you do it ... I met some seriously awesome songwriters ... hung out on stage with Austin Cunningham and Allen Shamblin ... And they're two of my all time favorite writers ... A large time was had by all

more on this soon

peace
c
]]> Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:19:59 GMT A4DCEB6FEAB6EAD1F0ED0E77A5009B6B IT ALL COMES DOWN TO LOVE http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm?feature=899119&postid=157207  I was working on my site in the wee hours of January 9 2010 ... I'm adding links to performances of songs I've had recorded through the years ... anyway, I came across this version of a song I wrote back in the early - mid 90s ... I had no idea it existed ...  if you have a moment drop in to youtube and give a listen ... <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Djgi2tnpFM&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Djgi2tnpFM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Djgi2tnpFM&feature=related

]]> Sun, 10 Jan 2010 03:40:27 GMT E57FE5E5335C6BCBCDBF73177B299448 Happy New Year http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm?feature=899119&postid=156036  What are you gonna do with it? Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:27:48 GMT 64AB4A631490CD7E78751336162BEFFE NASHVILLE UNDERGROUND http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm?feature=899119&postid=134116  Hey Y'all !! As you can hear, my version of American Soldier started playing when you landed here ... Toby Keith and I wrote this song and this version is available to you as a FREE DOWNLOAD! For details, simply go here: <a href="http:// http://www.nashvilleunderground.com">  http://www.nashvilleunderground.com When you get there, you will find some of the most amazing songwriters in the world doing their own versions of huge hit songs they have written ... These songs have been the driving force behind literally hundreds of millions of record sales ... and once you hear their versions ... you will want to hear more ... Peace ~ Chuck Hey Y'all !!

As you can hear, my version of American Soldier started playing when you landed here ... Toby Keith and I wrote this song and this version is available to you as a FREE DOWNLOAD! For details, simply go here:

http://www.nashvilleunderground.com

When you get there, you will find some of the most amazing songwriters in the world doing their own versions of huge hit songs they have written ...

These songs have been the driving force behind literally hundreds of millions of record sales ... and once you hear their versions ... you will want to hear more ...

Peace ~ Chuck
]]> Sun, 06 Dec 2009 13:50:00 GMT C434C6F13D36112F6F1D8C7000706802 WHY? ........ BECAUSE .... http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm?feature=899119&postid=113301  This is in response to my last blog and the few folks who emailed me wondering what I thought ... Much Love Chuck Why do we slow down and look at car wrecks ... but turn our eyes away from hunger and poverty? Because We are fascinated with tragedy and we are saddened by hunger and poverty and we despair over our ineffectiveness at eradicating them. Fascination is more seductive than sadness and despair... Why do we declare so many silly assed wars? war on poverty, war on drugs, war on terror ... hasn't anyone noticed it's just a bunch of politicians talking about something they have calculated will get them re-elected? Because War is how humans have historically brought about change. So, it is ingrained in our collective psyche that if we "war" we can effect "change". We WANT to believe our leaders ... and rather than clean up our own backyards (which would "clean up" the wholw world IF EVERYONE DID IT) we would rather listen to the promises of politicians and believe and subsequently bitch and moan about their lying and letting us down. That way, we don't have to blame the one looking back from the mirror. Why haven't we noticed the simple fact that none of those wars can be won? Because we haven't evolved enough to understand and embrace that love in action is how we solve these problems. Why do we keep re-electing these people when we are so dissatisfied with what they do? Because the system we have in place doesn't give us any other choice. Why do we pay for 1000 channels when there still ain't nothing on? Because we operate under the fallacy that more is better. Why do we tell lies and then punish the children for being dishonest? Because the truth hurts and when our children become our mirrors we want to hurt back ... In its own way, this is yet another small declaration of war. On a perversely positive note, it suggests we are at least trying in our pitiful way to improve the species ... Why do we drink and drive? Because drinking makes us feel like we are ten feet tall and bullet proof when all we are is more stupid and more dangerous. On a purely functional level, sometimes we are just too cheap to call a cab. Why is it legal to drive to a bar and buy 6 drinks? Why doesn't the bartender know you're driving home? Because our lawmakers are busy declaring wars we can't win instead of making laws that make sense. The bartender knows, by the way ... Why do we believe the handsome or pretty smooth talker? Because they are easy to look at and we want to believe someone who says they have the answers will save our asses. Why do we believe any complex matter can be explained in a sound-bite? Because of TV. Because we, as a culture, don't read. Why, if God is all good AND all powerful, do so many bad things happen? I have no idea. Why, if God is all knowing, why didn't God know all these bad things would happen? And IF God knew (and, sportsfans, if God is all knowing, God knew) ... what does THAT suggest about God? Q 1: I have no idea. Q 2 That suggests God created evil... or at least the capacity for evil. Why do so many people who believe in a loving God also believe this "all-knowing", "all-powerful", God would create beings he knew he was going to send to a burning hell forever? Because we want to be right and we are fascinated with tragedy. Why do we think we know ANYTHING about "why" Because we can think ... a little ... more to come ... peace and light  chuck Much Love
Chuck

Why do we slow down and look at car wrecks ... but turn our eyes away from hunger and poverty?

Because We are fascinated with tragedy and we are saddened by hunger and poverty and we despair over our ineffectiveness at eradicating them. Fascination is more seductive than sadness and despair...

Why do we declare so many silly assed wars? war on poverty, war on drugs, war on terror ... hasn't anyone noticed it's just a bunch of politicians talking about something they have calculated will get them re-elected?

Because War is how humans have historically brought about change. So, it is ingrained in our collective psyche that if we "war" we can effect "change". We WANT to believe our leaders ... and rather than clean up our own backyards (which would "clean up" the wholw world IF EVERYONE DID IT) we would rather listen to the promises of politicians and believe and subsequently bitch and moan about their lying and letting us down. That way, we don't have to blame the one looking back from the mirror.

Why haven't we noticed the simple fact that none of those wars can be won?

Because we haven't evolved enough to understand and embrace that love in action is how we solve these problems.

Why do we keep re-electing these people when we are so dissatisfied with what they do?

Because the system we have in place doesn't give us any other choice.

Why do we pay for 1000 channels when there still ain't nothing on?

Because we operate under the fallacy that more is better.

Why do we tell lies and then punish the children for being dishonest?

Because the truth hurts and when our children become our mirrors we want to hurt back ... In its own way, this is yet another small declaration of war. On a perversely positive note, it suggests we are at least trying in our pitiful way to improve the species ...

Why do we drink and drive?

Because drinking makes us feel like we are ten feet tall and bullet proof when all we are is more stupid and more dangerous. On a purely functional level, sometimes we are just too cheap to call a cab.

Why is it legal to drive to a bar and buy 6 drinks? Why doesn't the bartender know you're driving home?

Because our lawmakers are busy declaring wars we can't win instead of making laws that make sense. The bartender knows, by the way ...

Why do we believe the handsome or pretty smooth talker?

Because they are easy to look at and we want to believe someone who says they have the answers will save our asses.

Why do we believe any complex matter can be explained in a sound-bite?

Because of TV. Because we, as a culture, don't read.

Why, if God is all good AND all powerful, do so many bad things happen?

I have no idea.

Why, if God is all knowing, why didn't God know all these bad things would happen? And IF God knew (and, sportsfans, if God is all knowing, God knew) ... what does THAT suggest about God?

Q 1: I have no idea. Q 2 That suggests God created evil... or at least the capacity for evil.

Why do so many people who believe in a loving God also believe this "all-knowing", "all-powerful", God would create beings he knew he was going to send to a burning hell forever?

Because we want to be right and we are fascinated with tragedy.

Why do we think we know ANYTHING about "why"

Because we can think ... a little ...

more to come ...

peace and light
chuck

]]> Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:27:51 GMT CD5074BAA7B6EB791C8CA70A60C32E80 CELEBRATING WITH THE CANNON CONGREGATION http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm?feature=899119&postid=110779 CELEBRATING WITH THE CANNON CONGREGATION by S. Parks Hold on to your seats – Chuck’s in the house. This mega talented and revered Nashville fixture had to work for his birthday, but that was indeed his best gift for there’s nothing he’d rather do. Before a room of his ardent followers, Chuck Cannon welcomed us to the celebration which had to wait more than a month just for him to come back to town after touring. The much anticipated birthday party for one of Nashville’s most entertaining musicians lit up the 3rd and Lindsley stage as Chuck sang for his cupcakes. His eclectic songs that emerge from his eclectic mind are the most eclectic blend of country, folk, rock, blues, Americana, and R & B with a little swamp mud thrown on as icing. It’s no surprise that he grew up on Beatles, Temptations and Johnny Cash. I see him as the American Ray Davies (founder of the Kinks) who dispenses brilliance in storytelling about just plain folks like Starbucks serves up coffee. Chuck must have surely picked up his South Carolinian pulpit style from his Pentecostal minister father and grandfather because, in between humorous and inspirational stories, he likes to preach a few mini sermons. The songs make us think, the laughter is abundant, the delivery is truly stunning, songwriters are always asked up to join in and the mutual admiration society between Chuck and his fellow musicians and co-everything wife is truly impressive. What more can we ask from a much-loved singer/songwriter? Slung over his guitar with his long dark brown curls dangling over the strings, he’s always a photo waiting to happen. When he looks up slyly with a little boy’s grin, we know another clever and amusing comment is about to come forth. The rave reviews for his current CD, “Love and Money” are standard for this writer. I loved how each and every song has a totally original and often pleasantly haunting instrumental intro, especially on the gritty gospel “Oh My Lord”. His live performances were equally inspiring, especially “Outta This Town” and “Money Doesn’t Matter”. We all waited for our favorite closing song, “Strange” (that would be pre Reba’s hit of the same title). His inspirational album, “God Shaped Hole” is just as stunning and a must have as well. A previous president of NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) and recipient of numerous (just recently eight at once) BMI “Million-Air” awards for over a million broadcast plays of a song, Chuck is the consummate songwriter. Toby Keith’s “How Do You Like Me Now” and “Dream Walkin’” as well as John Michael Montgomery’s “I Love The Way You Love Me” are just a few of his hit singles. At a Cannon congregation, you’re likely to see Sarah Buxton, Jedd Hughes, Dave Berg or even Jeffrey Steele. Chuck Jones, whose songs have been recorded by most of our country favorites, was the chosen guest writer to share the stage for two songs, one of which they had written the night before. I must say, Ray Davies was again well-represented as this Chuck bears a certain resemblance to the godfather of British rock. The event, planned by his equally famous wife and song partner, Lari White, was a show to remember. Lari is a successful singer/songwriter/ producer/ actress who has done it all, including a run on Broadway along with a huge contribution to country music, but she cheats on the side, that is with a soulful R&B alter calling. At an appearance at Muzik Mafia, we were all hooked on “Green Eyed Soul”, an extravaganza to say the least. This seemed to be Lari’s dream as this petite “skinny white girl”, (also her record label name), released her Aretha vocals while joined by a funky soulful brass section and line of Motown-style back up girls. Lari will perform at the same venue on September 25. A small entourage carried in a hundred equally famous Gigi’s cupcakes. The candles were lit, Lari sang and Chuck made his wish. Our wish was easy - to see this genius again soon, really soon. <a target="_new" href="http://www.todayscountrymag.com/chuckcannonevent.htm">http://www.todayscountrymag.com/chuckcannonevent.htm Check Chuck at http://www.chuckcannon.com/ Lari White at www.myspace.com/lariwhitesongs Chuck Jones at www.myspace.com/chuckjonessongs Contact S. Parks at musicmusicmusic100@hotmail.com by S. Parks

Hold on to your seats – Chuck’s in the house.

This mega talented and revered Nashville fixture had to work for his birthday, but that was indeed his best gift for there’s nothing he’d rather do. Before a room of his ardent followers, Chuck Cannon welcomed us to the celebration which had to wait more than a month just for him to come back to town after touring.

The much anticipated birthday party for one of Nashville’s most entertaining musicians lit up the 3rd and Lindsley stage as Chuck sang for his cupcakes. His eclectic songs that emerge from his eclectic mind are the most eclectic blend of country, folk, rock, blues, Americana, and R & B with a little swamp mud thrown on as icing. It’s no surprise that he grew up on Beatles, Temptations and Johnny Cash. I see him as the American Ray Davies (founder of the Kinks) who dispenses brilliance in storytelling about just plain folks like Starbucks serves up coffee.

Chuck must have surely picked up his South Carolinian pulpit style from his Pentecostal minister father and grandfather because, in between humorous and inspirational stories, he likes to preach a few mini sermons. The songs make us think, the laughter is abundant, the delivery is truly stunning, songwriters are always asked up to join in and the mutual admiration society between Chuck and his fellow musicians and co-everything wife is truly impressive. What more can we ask from a much-loved singer/songwriter?

Slung over his guitar with his long dark brown curls dangling over the strings, he’s always a photo waiting to happen. When he looks up slyly with a little boy’s grin, we know another clever and amusing comment is about to come forth.

The rave reviews for his current CD, “Love and Money” are standard for this writer. I loved how each and every song has a totally original and often pleasantly haunting instrumental intro, especially on the gritty gospel “Oh My Lord”. His live performances were equally inspiring, especially “Outta This Town” and “Money Doesn’t Matter”. We all waited for our favorite closing song, “Strange” (that would be pre Reba’s hit of the same title). His inspirational album, “God Shaped Hole” is just as stunning and a must have as well.

A previous president of NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) and recipient of numerous (just recently eight at once) BMI “Million-Air” awards for over a million broadcast plays of a song, Chuck is the consummate songwriter. Toby Keith’s “How Do You Like Me Now” and “Dream Walkin’” as well as John Michael Montgomery’s “I Love The Way You Love Me” are just a few of his hit singles.

At a Cannon congregation, you’re likely to see Sarah Buxton, Jedd Hughes, Dave Berg or even Jeffrey Steele. Chuck Jones, whose songs have been recorded by most of our country favorites, was the chosen guest writer to share the stage for two songs, one of which they had written the night before. I must say, Ray Davies was again well-represented as this Chuck bears a certain resemblance to the godfather of British rock.

The event, planned by his equally famous wife and song partner, Lari White, was a show to remember. Lari is a successful singer/songwriter/ producer/ actress who has done it all, including a run on Broadway along with a huge contribution to country music, but she cheats on the side, that is with a soulful R&B alter calling. At an appearance at Muzik Mafia, we were all hooked on “Green Eyed Soul”, an extravaganza to say the least. This seemed to be Lari’s dream as this petite “skinny white girl”, (also her record label name), released her Aretha vocals while joined by a funky soulful brass section and line of Motown-style back up girls. Lari will perform at the same venue on September 25.

A small entourage carried in a hundred equally famous Gigi’s cupcakes. The candles were lit, Lari sang and Chuck made his wish. Our wish was easy - to see this genius again soon, really soon.

http://www.todayscountrymag.com/chuckcannonevent.htm

Check Chuck at http://www.chuckcannon.com/

Lari White at www.myspace.com/lariwhitesongs

Chuck Jones at www.myspace.com/chuckjonessongs

Contact S. Parks at musicmusicmusic100@hotmail.com
]]> Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:45:56 GMT 79F2F3A6B8A3E027021ED6776F388AB6 WHY? http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm?feature=899119&postid=105366  Why do we slow down and look at car wrecks ... but turn our eyes away from hunger and poverty? Why do we declare so many silly assed wars? war on poverty, war on drugs, war on terror ... hasn't anyone noticed it's just a bunch of politicians talking about something they have calculated will get them re-elected?  Why haven't we noticed the simple fact that none of those wars can be won?  Why do we keep re-electing these people when we are so dissatisfied with what they do? Why do we pay for 1000 channels when there still ain't nothing on? Why do we tell lies and then punish the children for being dishonest? Why do we drink and drive? Why is it legal to drive to a bar and buy 6 drinks? Why doesn't the bartender know you're driving home? Why do we believe the handsome or pretty smooth talker? Why do we believe any complex matter can be explained in a sound-bite? Why, if God is all good AND all powerful, do so many bad things happen? Why, if God is all knowing, why didn't God know all these bad things would happen? And IF God knew (and, sportsfans, if God is all knowing, God knew) ... what does THAT suggest about God? Why do so many people who believe in a loving God also believe this "all-knowing", "all-powerful", God would create beings he knew he was going to send to a burning hell forever? Why do we think we know ANYTHING about "why" Why is Madonna more popular than, say, Leonard Cohen? Why did Ghandi reject Christianity? Why don't we hear big fat Kentucky-Fried-Chicken-Eatin' -Chase-it-Down-With-A-Twinki-And-A-Diet Coke television preachers preach a sermon or two about gluttony? Why does my dog think I am so cool? Why didn't the New York Times publish the cartoon of Mohommed that got those Danish newspaper publishers killed? Why do James Carvill and Pat Buchanan have the jobs they have? Why is it that if you kill 1 man you are a murderer and if you kill a million you're a king? (a la Dylan) Why can't we all just get along?
Why do we declare so many silly assed wars? war on poverty, war on drugs, war on terror ... hasn't anyone noticed it's just a bunch of politicians talking about something they have calculated will get them re-elected?

Why haven't we noticed the simple fact that none of those wars can be won?

Why do we keep re-electing these people when we are so dissatisfied with what they do?

Why do we pay for 1000 channels when there still ain't nothing on?

Why do we tell lies and then punish the children for being dishonest?

Why do we drink and drive?

Why is it legal to drive to a bar and buy 6 drinks? Why doesn't the bartender know you're driving home?

Why do we believe the handsome or pretty smooth talker?

Why do we believe any complex matter can be explained in a sound-bite?

Why, if God is all good AND all powerful, do so many bad things happen?

Why, if God is all knowing, why didn't God know all these bad things would happen? And IF God knew (and, sportsfans, if God is all knowing, God knew) ... what does THAT suggest about God?

Why do so many people who believe in a loving God also believe this "all-knowing", "all-powerful", God would create beings he knew he was going to send to a burning hell forever?

Why do we think we know ANYTHING about "why"

Why is Madonna more popular than, say, Leonard Cohen?

Why did Ghandi reject Christianity?

Why don't we hear big fat Kentucky-Fried-Chicken-Eatin' -Chase-it-Down-With-A-Twinki-And-A-Diet Coke television preachers preach a sermon or two about gluttony?

Why does my dog think I am so cool?

Why didn't the New York Times publish the cartoon of Mohommed that got those Danish newspaper publishers killed?

Why do James Carvill and Pat Buchanan have the jobs they have?

Why is it that if you kill 1 man you are a murderer and if you kill a million you're a king? (a la Dylan)

Why can't we all just get along?

]]> Sun, 25 Oct 2009 04:17:19 GMT 5380F822A511E6CD2409DE4C7EBD5BAF THE HOUSE -THE HOUSE -THE HOUSE IS BURNING http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm?feature=899119&postid=101011  Here's a new song I just finished with my dear friend Chuck Jones ... Know what I'm sayin'??? THE HOUSE IS BURNING DOWN SHE WEARS VERSACE – PIAGET HE CHECKS HIS ROLEX FOR THE TIME OF DAY BUT THE TIMES AINT TELLIN NOTHIN BUT LIES BULLSHIT’S SELLIN WALL STREET BUYS THEY GO OUT DANCIN ALL THE RIGHT CLUBS CHAMPAGNE AND CUBANS PORCELAIN TUBS THEY DRIVE MERCEDES HIS AND HERS DOWN THE HIGHWAY TO HADES AND IT NEVER OCCURS THAT THE HOUSE THE HOUSE THE HOUSE IS BURNIN DOWN THE HOUSE THE HOUSE IS BURNIN THE HOUSE IS BURNIN DOWN THEY SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS THEY TAKE GOOD CARE OF THE FAMILY JEWELS THEY GOT THE POWER THE POLITICIANS WHAT GLOBAL WARMIN ... THEY’RE AIR-CONDITIONED WHILE THE HOUSE THE HOUSE THE HOUSE IS BURNIN DOWN THE HOUSE THE HOUSE IS BURNIN THE HOUSE IS BURNIN DOWN GET ON YOUR KNEES - START PRAYIN GRAB A HOSE – START SPRAYING IT’S HARD TO BREATH WHEN YOU’RE CHOKIN I FEEL THE HEAT SOMETHING’S SMOKIN IT’S THE HOUSE THE HOUSE THE HOUSE IS BURNIN DOWN THE HOUSE THE HOUSE IS BURNIN THE HOUSE IS BURNIN DOWN Chuck Jones/Chuck Cannon copyright 2009 all rights reserved

Know what I'm sayin'???

THE HOUSE IS BURNING DOWN

SHE WEARS VERSACE – PIAGET
HE CHECKS HIS ROLEX FOR THE TIME OF DAY
BUT THE TIMES AINT TELLIN NOTHIN BUT LIES
BULLSHIT’S SELLIN WALL STREET BUYS

THEY GO OUT DANCIN ALL THE RIGHT CLUBS
CHAMPAGNE AND CUBANS PORCELAIN TUBS
THEY DRIVE MERCEDES HIS AND HERS
DOWN THE HIGHWAY TO HADES AND IT NEVER OCCURS

THAT THE HOUSE
THE HOUSE
THE HOUSE IS BURNIN DOWN
THE HOUSE
THE HOUSE IS BURNIN
THE HOUSE IS BURNIN DOWN

THEY SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS
THEY TAKE GOOD CARE OF THE FAMILY JEWELS
THEY GOT THE POWER THE POLITICIANS
WHAT GLOBAL WARMIN ... THEY’RE AIR-CONDITIONED

WHILE THE HOUSE
THE HOUSE
THE HOUSE IS BURNIN DOWN
THE HOUSE
THE HOUSE IS BURNIN
THE HOUSE IS BURNIN DOWN

GET ON YOUR KNEES - START PRAYIN
GRAB A HOSE – START SPRAYING
IT’S HARD TO BREATH WHEN YOU’RE CHOKIN
I FEEL THE HEAT SOMETHING’S SMOKIN

IT’S THE HOUSE
THE HOUSE
THE HOUSE IS BURNIN DOWN
THE HOUSE
THE HOUSE IS BURNIN
THE HOUSE IS BURNIN DOWN

Chuck Jones/Chuck Cannon
copyright 2009
all rights reserved
]]> Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:36:23 GMT 52C1E16FC15DD98D2EB8F41B646F6DE3 Elizabeth Gilbert http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm?feature=899119&postid=99039  It isn't often that I come across something this good ... You will need about 20 minutes to watch and then 30 minutes to recover ... this is a little gift for all my creative friends out there ... enjoy!! Peace & Light Chuck http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html
Peace & Light
Chuck

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html

]]> Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:31:05 GMT 20F9F418955AF08204ED5669C9F4E0FC Love & Money Review http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm?feature=899119&postid=98589 <a href="http://americanmusicchannel.com/features/reviews/10-8-2009/love-and-money">http://americanmusicchannel.com/features/reviews/10-8-2009/love-and-money By: Emily J Ramey Chuck Cannon has been successful in every way a songwriter aspires to be successful. He has a beautiful wife and three lovely children, a home outside Nashville, countless hit songs, a couple of his own albums, the continual opportunity to tour as a performing songwriter, his own record label, Nashville Underground, a recent tenure as NSAI president, and an ongoing fervor for his life’s work, songwriting. Now, at this point in life, some songwriters would consider retiring, or worse, experimenting, but Chuck Cannon’s album Love and Money boasts the perfect balance between freedom and structure. Chuck Cannon has a wizened, raspy quality to his voice, but it’s fused with a grace and profound insight that only a lifetime of soulful songwriting can inspire. His lyrics are eloquent, sagacious, and universally relevant. Cannon preserves his youth for his fingers, which accompany his growling vocals with lively dexterity and expert skill on a warm acoustic guitar. The flawless transition between the first and second tracks - between the rich instrumental “Loose Change” and the smoky, expressive “Money Don’t Matter” - is easy and absorbing. “Money” is upbeat, bluesy, and ragged, as dirty as money itself. “Strange” is peppery and wild, Cannon’s way of letting loose. Simply put, the track is twangy, raw, and, well, strange. “The Devil Is a Woman,” on the other hand, is a relaxed melody with a cunning refrain, chock full of crafty wordplay like, “She’ll drag you through hell and make you beg to come back.” And “Outta This Town” and “Walkaway” are spellbinding ballads, both powerfully written and passionately sung. Cannon also imbues a subtle thematic continuity throughout the tracks on Love and Money, using a gentle spirituality to convey his sentimentality towards the things that matter most in life. Cannon’s magnetic personality is deeply infused in every lyric and every note, making Love and Money an album one can listen to again and again, and more importantly, interpret a new meaning or discover a new facet each time. http://americanmusicchannel.com/features/reviews/10-8-2009/love-and-money

By: Emily J Ramey

Chuck Cannon has been successful in every way a songwriter aspires to be successful. He has a beautiful wife and three lovely children, a home outside Nashville, countless hit songs, a couple of his own albums, the continual opportunity to tour as a performing songwriter, his own record label, Nashville Underground, a recent tenure as NSAI president, and an ongoing fervor for his life’s work, songwriting. Now, at this point in life, some songwriters would consider retiring, or worse, experimenting, but Chuck Cannon’s album Love and Money boasts the perfect balance between freedom and structure.
Chuck Cannon has a wizened, raspy quality to his voice, but it’s fused with a grace and profound insight that only a lifetime of soulful songwriting can inspire. His lyrics are eloquent, sagacious, and universally relevant. Cannon preserves his youth for his fingers, which accompany his growling vocals with lively dexterity and expert skill on a warm acoustic guitar.
The flawless transition between the first and second tracks - between the rich instrumental “Loose Change” and the smoky, expressive “Money Don’t Matter” - is easy and absorbing. “Money” is upbeat, bluesy, and ragged, as dirty as money itself. “Strange” is peppery and wild, Cannon’s way of letting loose. Simply put, the track is twangy, raw, and, well, strange. “The Devil Is a Woman,” on the other hand, is a relaxed melody with a cunning refrain, chock full of crafty wordplay like, “She’ll drag you through hell and make you beg to come back.” And “Outta This Town” and “Walkaway” are spellbinding ballads, both powerfully written and passionately sung.
Cannon also imbues a subtle thematic continuity throughout the tracks on Love and Money, using a gentle spirituality to convey his sentimentality towards the things that matter most in life.
Cannon’s magnetic personality is deeply infused in every lyric and every note, making Love and Money an album one can listen to again and again, and more importantly, interpret a new meaning or discover a new facet each time.

]]> Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:15:00 GMT 73E4B394BA096852C0AC062B5BECE957 CELEBRATING WITH THE CANNON CONGREGATION http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm?feature=899119&postid=113101 CELEBRATING WITH THE CANNON CONGREGATION by S. Parks Hold on to your seats – Chuck’s in the house. This mega talented and revered Nashville fixture had to work for his birthday, but that was indeed his best gift for there’s nothing he’d rather do. Before a room of his ardent followers, Chuck Cannon welcomed us to the celebration which had to wait more than a month just for him to come back to town after touring. The much anticipated birthday party for one of Nashville’s most entertaining musicians lit up the 3rd and Lindsley stage as Chuck sang for his cupcakes. His eclectic songs that emerge from his eclectic mind are the most eclectic blend of country, folk, rock, blues, Americana, and R & B with a little swamp mud thrown on as icing. It’s no surprise that he grew up on Beatles, Temptations and Johnny Cash. I see him as the American Ray Davies (founder of the Kinks) who dispenses brilliance in storytelling about just plain folks like Starbucks serves up coffee. Chuck must have surely picked up his South Carolinian pulpit style from his Pentecostal minister father and grandfather because, in between humorous and inspirational stories, he likes to preach a few mini sermons. The songs make us think, the laughter is abundant, the delivery is truly stunning, songwriters are always asked up to join in and the mutual admiration society between Chuck and his fellow musicians and co-everything wife is truly impressive. What more can we ask from a much-loved singer/songwriter? Slung over his guitar with his long dark brown curls dangling over the strings, he’s always a photo waiting to happen. When he looks up slyly with a little boy’s grin, we know another clever and amusing comment is about to come forth. The rave reviews for his current CD, “Love and Money” are standard for this writer. I loved how each and every song has a totally original and often pleasantly haunting instrumental intro, especially on the gritty gospel “Oh My Lord”. His live performances were equally inspiring, especially “Outta This Town” and “Money Doesn’t Matter”. We all waited for our favorite closing song, “Strange” (that would be pre Reba’s hit of the same title). His inspirational album, “God Shaped Hole” is just as stunning and a must have as well. A previous president of NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) and recipient of numerous (just recently eight at once) BMI “Million-Air” awards for over a million broadcast plays of a song, Chuck is the consummate songwriter. Toby Keith’s “How Do You Like Me Now” and “Dream Walkin’” as well as John Michael Montgomery’s “I Love The Way You Love Me” are just a few of his hit singles. At a Cannon congregation, you’re likely to see Sarah Buxton, Jedd Hughes, Dave Berg or even Jeffrey Steele. Chuck Jones, whose songs have been recorded by most of our country favorites, was the chosen guest writer to share the stage for two songs, one of which they had written the night before. I must say, Ray Davies was again well-represented as this Chuck bears a certain resemblance to the godfather of British rock. The event, planned by his equally famous wife and song partner, Lari White, was a show to remember. Lari is a successful singer/songwriter/ producer/ actress who has done it all, including a run on Broadway along with a huge contribution to country music, but she cheats on the side, that is with a soulful R&B alter calling. At an appearance at Muzik Mafia, we were all hooked on “Green Eyed Soul”, an extravaganza to say the least. This seemed to be Lari’s dream as this petite “skinny white girl”, (also her record label name), released her Aretha vocals while joined by a funky soulful brass section and line of Motown-style back up girls. Lari will perform at the same venue on September 25. A small entourage carried in a hundred equally famous Gigi’s cupcakes. The candles were lit, Lari sang and Chuck made his wish. Our wish was easy - to see this genius again soon, really soon. <a target="_new" href="http://www.todayscountrymag.com/chuckcannonevent.htm">http://www.todayscountrymag.com/chuckcannonevent.htm Check Chuck at http://www.chuckcannon.com/ Lari White at www.myspace.com/lariwhitesongs Chuck Jones at www.myspace.com/chuckjonessongs Contact S. Parks at musicmusicmusic100@hotmail.com by S. Parks

Hold on to your seats – Chuck’s in the house.

This mega talented and revered Nashville fixture had to work for his birthday, but that was indeed his best gift for there’s nothing he’d rather do. Before a room of his ardent followers, Chuck Cannon welcomed us to the celebration which had to wait more than a month just for him to come back to town after touring.

The much anticipated birthday party for one of Nashville’s most entertaining musicians lit up the 3rd and Lindsley stage as Chuck sang for his cupcakes. His eclectic songs that emerge from his eclectic mind are the most eclectic blend of country, folk, rock, blues, Americana, and R & B with a little swamp mud thrown on as icing. It’s no surprise that he grew up on Beatles, Temptations and Johnny Cash. I see him as the American Ray Davies (founder of the Kinks) who dispenses brilliance in storytelling about just plain folks like Starbucks serves up coffee.

Chuck must have surely picked up his South Carolinian pulpit style from his Pentecostal minister father and grandfather because, in between humorous and inspirational stories, he likes to preach a few mini sermons. The songs make us think, the laughter is abundant, the delivery is truly stunning, songwriters are always asked up to join in and the mutual admiration society between Chuck and his fellow musicians and co-everything wife is truly impressive. What more can we ask from a much-loved singer/songwriter?

Slung over his guitar with his long dark brown curls dangling over the strings, he’s always a photo waiting to happen. When he looks up slyly with a little boy’s grin, we know another clever and amusing comment is about to come forth.

The rave reviews for his current CD, “Love and Money” are standard for this writer. I loved how each and every song has a totally original and often pleasantly haunting instrumental intro, especially on the gritty gospel “Oh My Lord”. His live performances were equally inspiring, especially “Outta This Town” and “Money Doesn’t Matter”. We all waited for our favorite closing song, “Strange” (that would be pre Reba’s hit of the same title). His inspirational album, “God Shaped Hole” is just as stunning and a must have as well.

A previous president of NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) and recipient of numerous (just recently eight at once) BMI “Million-Air” awards for over a million broadcast plays of a song, Chuck is the consummate songwriter. Toby Keith’s “How Do You Like Me Now” and “Dream Walkin’” as well as John Michael Montgomery’s “I Love The Way You Love Me” are just a few of his hit singles.

At a Cannon congregation, you’re likely to see Sarah Buxton, Jedd Hughes, Dave Berg or even Jeffrey Steele. Chuck Jones, whose songs have been recorded by most of our country favorites, was the chosen guest writer to share the stage for two songs, one of which they had written the night before. I must say, Ray Davies was again well-represented as this Chuck bears a certain resemblance to the godfather of British rock.

The event, planned by his equally famous wife and song partner, Lari White, was a show to remember. Lari is a successful singer/songwriter/ producer/ actress who has done it all, including a run on Broadway along with a huge contribution to country music, but she cheats on the side, that is with a soulful R&B alter calling. At an appearance at Muzik Mafia, we were all hooked on “Green Eyed Soul”, an extravaganza to say the least. This seemed to be Lari’s dream as this petite “skinny white girl”, (also her record label name), released her Aretha vocals while joined by a funky soulful brass section and line of Motown-style back up girls. Lari will perform at the same venue on September 25.

A small entourage carried in a hundred equally famous Gigi’s cupcakes. The candles were lit, Lari sang and Chuck made his wish. Our wish was easy - to see this genius again soon, really soon.

http://www.todayscountrymag.com/chuckcannonevent.htm

Check Chuck at http://www.chuckcannon.com/

Lari White at www.myspace.com/lariwhitesongs

Chuck Jones at www.myspace.com/chuckjonessongs

Contact S. Parks at musicmusicmusic100@hotmail.com
]]> Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:00:00 GMT 86047AECF4606D4103B9F3C8A62506FD Durango Songwriter's Fest http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm?feature=899119&postid=92446  I'll be heading out to Colorado Springs in a few days for the Durango Songwriter's Festival ... Shawn Mullins, Al Anderson, Miles Zuniga and Tony Scalzo from FastBall will be there ... I look forward to this event which happens twice a year ... I get to see old friends and meet new ones ... And the beautiful thing is, everyone who comes is all about reaching for excellence in songwriting. What could be better? If you go here:   http://www.durango-songwriters-expo.com/ You can see for yourself what it's all about ... Thanks for dropping by Peace and Light Chuck
If you go here:

http://www.durango-songwriters-expo.com/

You can see for yourself what it's all about ...

Thanks for dropping by

Peace and Light
Chuck

]]> Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:37:23 GMT FC8065737AD3D7336304A7936E886F3C My weekend with Neal and Sally Broten http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm?feature=899119&postid=89170 So, my weekend was pretty cool ... Actually, my weekend was AWESOMELY cool!!! A few months ago, Sally Broten called me and asked if I would play for Neal’s surprise birthday party ... I said yes, of course, and that’s where it started ... Well actually that’s not quite where it started... A little over 5 years ago, I was asked to play a benefit in Jackson Hole Wy for the Jackson Hole Free Clinic. The NHL All-Stars were there and were the focal point of the benefit. I was one of the singer/songwriters who was part of the entertainment for the Hockey Players and their wives ... That’s how and where I got to meet Neal Broten. Now you have to understand ... I grew up in the low-country area of South Carolina ... not much Hockey down there. But it doesn’t matter what part of the country you’re from ... If you were an American in 1980 you were most likely watching Neal and his team mates on the US Hockey Team take the Gold Medal by beating the team from Finland ... but they got there by seriously kicking some Russian ass (the Miracle On Ice) ... Which was right after surprising the world by beating Czechoslovakia. Neal went on to play 17 years in the NHL and was the first American to score 100 goals in a season ... He was on the 1979 NCAA championship team University of Minnesota, the 1980 Olympic Gold Medal team and he scored the game winning goal that gave the New Jersey Devils the Stanley Cup in 1995. But Neal’s # 1 deal is Sally Broten. Sally is at the top of her profession in the world of reining horses with trophy’s lining the walls of her office ... She is one of the most well read people I have ever met and makes the best damn breakfast sausage I have ever lapped a lip over ... and on top of that she is HOT! The total surprise she pulled off on Neal was amazing ... over 300 of Neal’s oldest friends, former teammates and family were at this party ... and Neal never knew what hit him ... she walked him in the side door of the Fine Line blindfolded, sat him down on a stool and I started playing “Bet Yo Mama” (which Sally tells me is Neal’s favorite song ... You would understand why if you saw Sally’s mom, Vivian) and Sally pulled the blindfold off... We all partied til the wee hours of the morning and then Neal and I got up and played a round of golf with a bunch of his friends who had flown in from all over the states just to help him celebrate ... Neal’s a damn good golfer too ... All that’s cool ... I am so fortunate ... my guitar and my songs have taken me places I could have never gone otherwise. My music has introduced me to some incredibly fascinating people; many who are premier in their profession. But here is what I am ALWAYS struck by ... without fail, the people I have met who are the true greats ... the TRULY talented ... the great musicians ... the great athletes ... the great community leaders ... the great authors ... the great artists ... the great business people ... these people are virtually all remarkably kind and generous. They are generally unaffected by their success. They are, by and large, nice and polite people. What is especially intriguing is that if you ever get to meet their childhood friends (typically ALL of these people are still very close to their childhood friends) the stories you hear about these talented and successful people describe someone who has always been this way ... in other words, their oldest friends will tell you they didn’t become kind, generous, polite and true once they could afford to be ... they simply always were that way. And their pure talent is, without fail, PROFOUND. And you just want to be around them ...
A few months ago, Sally Broten called me and asked if I would play for Neal’s surprise birthday party ... I said yes, of course, and that’s where it started ...

Well actually that’s not quite where it started...

A little over 5 years ago, I was asked to play a benefit in Jackson Hole Wy for the Jackson Hole Free Clinic. The NHL All-Stars were there and were the focal point of the benefit. I was one of the singer/songwriters who was part of the entertainment for the Hockey Players and their wives ... That’s how and where I got to meet Neal Broten.

Now you have to understand ... I grew up in the low-country area of South Carolina ... not much Hockey down there. But it doesn’t matter what part of the country you’re from ... If you were an American in 1980 you were most likely watching Neal and his team mates on the US Hockey Team take the Gold Medal by beating the team from Finland ... but they got there by seriously kicking some Russian ass (the Miracle On Ice) ... Which was right after surprising the world by beating Czechoslovakia.

Neal went on to play 17 years in the NHL and was the first American to score 100 goals in a season ... He was on the 1979 NCAA championship team University of Minnesota, the 1980 Olympic Gold Medal team and he scored the game winning goal that gave the New Jersey Devils the Stanley Cup in 1995.

But Neal’s # 1 deal is Sally Broten. Sally is at the top of her profession in the world of reining horses with trophy’s lining the walls of her office ... She is one of the most well read people I have ever met and makes the best damn breakfast sausage I have ever lapped a lip over ... and on top of that she is HOT!

The total surprise she pulled off on Neal was amazing ... over 300 of Neal’s oldest friends, former teammates and family were at this party ... and Neal never knew what hit him ... she walked him in the side door of the Fine Line blindfolded, sat him down on a stool and I started playing “Bet Yo Mama” (which Sally tells me is Neal’s favorite song ... You would understand why if you saw Sally’s mom, Vivian) and Sally pulled the blindfold off...

We all partied til the wee hours of the morning and then Neal and I got up and played a round of golf with a bunch of his friends who had flown in from all over the states just to help him celebrate ... Neal’s a damn good golfer too ...

All that’s cool ... I am so fortunate ... my guitar and my songs have taken me places I could have never gone otherwise. My music has introduced me to some incredibly fascinating people; many who are premier in their profession.

But here is what I am ALWAYS struck by ... without fail, the people I have met who are the true greats ... the TRULY talented ... the great musicians ... the great athletes ... the great community leaders ... the great authors ... the great artists ... the great business people ... these people are virtually all remarkably kind and generous. They are generally unaffected by their success. They are, by and large, nice and polite people.

What is especially intriguing is that if you ever get to meet their childhood friends (typically ALL of these people are still very close to their childhood friends) the stories you hear about these talented and successful people describe someone who has always been this way ... in other words, their oldest friends will tell you they didn’t become kind, generous, polite and true once they could afford to be ... they simply always were that way.

And their pure talent is, without fail, PROFOUND.

And you just want to be around them ...
]]> Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:05:01 GMT 45ECB8E4DE1A10E99720A95648BBA0D2 GHOST TOWN http://chuckcannon.com/home.cfm?feature=899119&postid=85059 Hey Y'all Here's a little song my good buddy Joe Cerisano and I wrote a little over a year ago ... I was going through lyrics and ran into this and thought it was pretty interesting ... It may end up on the new project I'm working on ... I think ... I think ... I think I know what it's about ... It honestly started out with Joe bringing in the idea of writing about a Ghost Town ... Looks like it ended up being about more than that ... Peace C GHOST TOWN TUMBLEWEEDS ROLL DOWN THE MIDDLE OF MAIN STREET THE WINDOWS ARE ALL BROKEN AND THE DOORS THEY ALL CREAK IN A GHOST TOWN NO VACANY NEON DANGLING BY A WIRE BUT THE BEDS ARE ALL EMPTY CAUSE THERE AIN’T NO DESIRE IN A GHOST TOWN IN A GHOST TOWN THE RUST EATS THE PAINT OFF THE TEXACO SIGN THE WIND BLOWS THE DUST ACROSS THE DIRTY SKYLINE THE HOUSES ARE ALL HAUNTED AND EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT THE TRAIN THAT AIN’T COMIN’ WHEN THE LONE WHISTLE BLOWS IT’S JUST ANOTHER GHOST IN A GHOST TOWN IN A GHOST TOWN THE MOON’S HANGING FULL BUT YOU HIDE FROM THE LIGHT WITH THE GOBLINS AND GHOULS THAT COME OUT AT NIGHT IN A GHOST TOWN THERE’S NOTHING TO FEAR IF YOU DON’T QUESTION WHY NOTHING LIVES AROUND HERE - HELL YOU CAN’T EVEN DIE IN A GHOST TOWN IN A GHOST TOWN JUST STAND IN THE LINE AND KISS THE RING OF THE HOST WHILE SOME UNHOLY ANGEL IS RAISING A TOAST WHEN YOU DANCE WITH THE VAMPIRES WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST IS YOU CAN SEE ALL THE WAY THROUGH ‘EM WHEN YOU’RE LOOKIN’ REAL CLOSE ARE YOU LOOKIN’ REAL CLOSE AIN’T NOTHIN’ BUT GHOSTS IN A GHOST TOWN IN A GHOST TOWN YOU CAN FIND YOUR WAY IN BUT THERE AIN’T NO WAY OUT OF THE WAGES OF SIN IN THE SHADOWS OF DOUBT IT’S THE PRICE THAT YOU PAY FOR THE CHOICES YOU CHOSE WHEN YOU SELL YOUR SOUL THE REST OF YOU GOES…. YEAH WHAT’S LEFT OF YOU GOES TO A GHOST TOWN A GHOST TOWN Joe Cerisano/Chuck Cannon Copyright 2007 Chuck Cannon Music/Out Of The Woods Music All Rights Reserved
Here's a little song my good buddy Joe Cerisano and I wrote a little over a year ago ... I was going through lyrics and ran into this and thought it was pretty interesting ... It may end up on the new project I'm working on ...

I think ... I think ... I think I know what it's about ... It honestly started out with Joe bringing in the idea of writing about a Ghost Town ... Looks like it ended up being about more than that ...

Peace
C

GHOST TOWN

TUMBLEWEEDS ROLL DOWN THE MIDDLE OF MAIN STREET
THE WINDOWS ARE ALL BROKEN AND THE DOORS THEY ALL CREAK
IN A GHOST TOWN

NO VACANY NEON DANGLING BY A WIRE
BUT THE BEDS ARE ALL EMPTY CAUSE THERE AIN’T NO DESIRE
IN A GHOST TOWN
IN A GHOST TOWN

THE RUST EATS THE PAINT OFF THE TEXACO SIGN
THE WIND BLOWS THE DUST ACROSS THE DIRTY SKYLINE
THE HOUSES ARE ALL HAUNTED AND EVERYONE KNOWS
ABOUT THE TRAIN THAT AIN’T COMIN’ WHEN THE LONE WHISTLE BLOWS
IT’S JUST ANOTHER GHOST

IN A GHOST TOWN
IN A GHOST TOWN

THE MOON’S HANGING FULL BUT YOU HIDE FROM THE LIGHT
WITH THE GOBLINS AND GHOULS THAT COME OUT AT NIGHT
IN A GHOST TOWN

THERE’S NOTHING TO FEAR IF YOU DON’T QUESTION WHY
NOTHING LIVES AROUND HERE - HELL YOU CAN’T EVEN DIE
IN A GHOST TOWN
IN A GHOST TOWN

JUST STAND IN THE LINE AND KISS THE RING OF THE HOST
WHILE SOME UNHOLY ANGEL IS RAISING A TOAST
WHEN YOU DANCE WITH THE VAMPIRES WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST
IS YOU CAN SEE ALL THE WAY THROUGH ‘EM
WHEN YOU’RE LOOKIN’ REAL CLOSE
ARE YOU LOOKIN’ REAL CLOSE
AIN’T NOTHIN’ BUT GHOSTS

IN A GHOST TOWN
IN A GHOST TOWN

YOU CAN FIND YOUR WAY IN BUT THERE AIN’T NO WAY OUT
OF THE WAGES OF SIN IN THE SHADOWS OF DOUBT
IT’S THE PRICE THAT YOU PAY FOR THE CHOICES YOU CHOSE
WHEN YOU SELL YOUR SOUL
THE REST OF YOU GOES….
YEAH WHAT’S LEFT OF YOU GOES

TO A GHOST TOWN
A GHOST TOWN

Joe Cerisano/Chuck Cannon
Copyright 2007
Chuck Cannon Music/Out Of The Woods Music
All Rights Reserved

]]> Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:25:00 GMT EF0A104A156FF3F1AA1EC1207111C891