September 12, 2005 - Nashville Tennessee - Johnny Cash Tribute Night

A year ago, I returned home from an event in Nashville called 'cashbash',  it was a collection of all us fans of Mr. J.R. "Johnny" Cash.  I had the great pleasure to meeting Paul Richey, songwriter of 'The  BARON' ... which MrCa$h recorded in 1981.  I received a phone call 4 days later booking me as the 'opening act' for a Tommy Cash Concert, a tribute show to his brother.  Well close to a year passed and the day was fast approaching.  The promoter from Texas, Jeremiah Herrera,host of a radio program "JUST BELIEVE" wasn't able to organize this great show of a Tommy Cash concert.  It was advertized on WNAH and over the internet from last October until this fall.  He asked me if I would still come down and do my bit for MrCa$h ... and I did.  I would have walked to Nashville to do anything I could to celebrate the life of this 'Country Legend'.  Monday night, September 12 in Bernie's Lounge I was able to do a 45 minute 'salute' to MrCash.  I had another great fortune happen.  I was all prepared to solo this show and as I was setting up with help from 'Becca', Michelle, Paul & Barb, all employees of the venue, Barb introduced me to Mr. 'Cowboy' Eddie Long.  Cowboy Eddie is Hank Williams Jr's steel guitar player ... 15 1/2 years.  He recently recorded with Kenny Chesney.  I was elated to meet him and we shared alot in common, especially the fact we are both avid "Civil War" buffs.  I asked him if he'd like to join me for my show, and he did with a big ole southern smile.  I had an extra 6 string guitar with me and Eddie joined me, for about half of my show as a couple of strings broke during the performance.  Eddie actually retuned it when the first string broke, and I convinced him to re-tune and play on.  He did a fine job of it too.  When the second one broke I told him to just re-tune and stay and he said to me "... man, I can't play me a guitar with but only 4 strings on to it" and we had a good chuckle and he left the stage.  The experience was awesome as the crowd assembled there really enjoyed our 'duo'.  I went on to complete my show and I was thrilled to receive applause and laughter and the good folks placed $5 bills and even a $20 bill in the entertainers 'tip jug'.  I would really like to thank Paul, 'Becca, Michelle and Barb for the wonderul words of encouragement before the show, and the wonderful treatment after my show.  There were to be 'other guests and friends of Johnny Cash's', but with the failure by the promoter from Houston Texas, Jeremiah Herrera with Cowboy Country & Gospel Music Association (CCGMA)and a radio show, Just Believe ... I just did my part.  Pat Gillen from Atlanta Georgia and her sister Denise Collingwood from Youngstown Ohio, visiting in Atlanta, drove in to Nashville.  I had the pleasure of meeting these two fine women at 'cashbash' in Oct/04 and we have become good friends ... and Thank You Ladies for buying 2 of my CDs, FULL  CIRCLE, a tribute to MrCash.  I want to send a 'special' thanks to Marti Timmons, marketing director & Suzanne Johns for all their kindness shown to Sue & I, you run a great hotel and I would recommend it to anyone.  Also to Paul Aycock for helping us set up and his kind words promoting our CD: FULL  CIRCLE, 'Becca for her great assistance to the PA, Michelle and Barb for thier kindness, all employees of the venue ... my hat goes off to all of you.  Thanks too, to Peggy Franck, president, and Nancy Nesbitt, secretary/treasurer of NACMAI for stopping by and sharing warm welcomes to Sue & I ... and for asking me to become a member.  Cowboy Eddie ... it was an honour and a real pleasure having you with me, thanks alot to all our friends in Nashville Tennessee.

 

Sue & I took a drive out to Bon Aqua, south west of Nashville.  Mr CA$H has a farm there where he would go out and do what he liked to do.  The allure to me was when I read it in one of MrCash's books, that the farm was previously owned by a captain of the Confederacy from the Civil War.  I had asked his sister Joanne, back on our tour in October 2004, if he still had the property.  She said he did, so Sue & I just took a tour ... we didn't ask about it and we thought if we find it, then great, and if we don't, that's alright too.  We did find it ...   I am not one to invade the privacy of others, especially those with celebrity, I respect their privacy.  I did, however take some wonderful photos of the setting.  I wish I had a million dollars ... I'd buy that farm in a heartbeat.

 

Sue & I attended to Center Point B-B-Q again ... what a place, we love it!.  We had a very nice time talking with Jeanette Whited a worker there who actually attended to 200 Caudill Drive to serve fabulous feasts at the Cash residence.  Robert "Bob" Duke, principle and chief in charge of this family operation shared many stories with us and took a $20 Canadian bill I had over to some friends to show them ... I guess our paper currency looks a tad different.  Bob told us stories about the Cash's and some of his own vision for the future ... we wish you all the best success Bob and will keep you in thought and prayers.