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Episode Four
In this episode, we leave Washington DC behind and move south into The Commonwealth of Virginia, otherwise known as “The Old Dominion.” While I was not born there, I proudly consider myself a Virginian, joining the company of famous Virginians like Thomas Jefferson, the author of America’s Declaration of Independance, and George Washington, America’s first president.
I also attended The University of Virginia, which was founded by Thomas Jefferson.
WSVS
In the segment about my old employer, I feature the following music:
“There is a Time” by Alan Jackson
Tunes by The Malpass Brothers and the band Country Pride that I recorded live at WSVS.
As I mention in the show, I was WSVS’ General Manager from 2006 to 2007 — a particularly tough time in my life. I tell the story in this deeply personal video, the first 15 minutes of which is the important part.
You can see more pictures of WSVS from here.
FloydFest
If I had to pick just one music festival to attend, it would me this one, set in southern Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, near the town of Floyd, humorously referred to as “The Republic of Floyd.”
In the sement, I feature the following music:
“Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton
“Jolene” by Mindy Smith
The Carolinas
In this segment, I mention several songs by singer/songwriter James Taylor, including “Sweet Baby James” and “Country Road.” I play a clip from his song “Fire and Rain.”
These songs all come from James Taylor’s breakout album “Sweet Baby James,” which was my introduction to the artist in 1970. But Mr. James has gone on to write and record many great songs, all worth listening to.
If you are a James Taylor fan, as I am, then you will enjoy his autobiography “Break Shot: My First 21 Years.”
Georgia
I feature two songs by the great Ray Charles: “What’d I Say” from 1959 and his classic cover of “Georgia On My Mind.”
An Apology!
I mention a place called Mayberry in the show, and that begs for an apology to listeners who don’t recognize the name or the whistle tune that I play.
Mayberry is a ficticous, small American town made famous in the 1960s television program “The Andy Griffith Show.” The whistle tune played during the show’s opening credits, and most Americans of a certain age (like me, born in 1956) will recognize it.
If you are a fan of the show, then I recommend the excellent audio book “The Boys” by Ron and Clint Howard. Ron Howard played “Opey” in the original show, and later went on to become an accomplished film director.
Toccoa
I am not kind to poor Toccoa, Georgia, except to mention that one of greatest performers of the 20th century came from there — the mighty Mr. Dynomite James Brown, also known as “the hardest working man in show business.”
I mention several of his songs — “I Feel Good” and “Mother Popcorn” — and play clips from “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” and “Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud.” Some of those links show James Brown’s fantastic dancing, which inspired a young Michael Jackson.
Bonus Track: The Vietnam Vet’s Story
In honor of vets everywhere, I play a snippet from Edwin Starr’s 1970 recording of the song “War.” Like all the music I feature in this podcast, I recommend listening to the words, which often address the social justice issues of the time. In this case, the song expresses the general anger and distaste the anti-war movement felt towards the war in Vietnam.
The Allman Brothers
I play a few songs from the Allman Brothers:
Little Richard
I conclude the show by mentioning Little Richard’s hit “Long Tall Sally” and playing a clip of his rocker “Tutti Frutti.”
That’s a Wrap!
Coming up next we’ll keep heading south to Florida, meet some good ole’ boys, and chow down on good food and great music. Stay with me!
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