So I read something this morning that some folks in Texas and West Virginia, among others, have expressed interest in seceding from the United States because the majority of Americans spoke and reelected President Obama. I say to those thinking they can make it as independent nations on their own , have at it. But please don't ask OUR commander in chief for military assistance when a powerhouse coalition of Belgium, Turks and Caicos, Luxembourg, and Vatican City annihilate your redneck regiments and show you REAL socialism! I'm just saying. . .
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Say Goodbye Williard Romney
I read an editorial from The New York Post the other day and I think the author, Michael Cohen, really summed up the atrocity that is known as the Mitt Romney campaign, if not the entire Mitt Romney political career.
Good Riddance to Mitt Romney
Good Riddance to Mitt Romney
Backside of Thirty
There's a John Conlee song called "Backside of Thirty," and I've used it as sort of an anthem for the past couple of years, if for nothing else than the tag line within the title.
I suppose today is the last day I can still use this so I thought I'd go ahead and post it here.
I suppose today is the last day I can still use this so I thought I'd go ahead and post it here.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Post Election Bliss
The 2012 Presidential election is now behind us and the American people have issued a mandate saying that we have confidence in our President and wish for him to continue on this course to recovery.
A mandate, you say? What's that? Aren't all the Republicans, again, trying to say that this wasn't a mandate by the voters? To answer this, we must look at the REAL definition of the word mandate.
Truncated from a definition from Wikipedia, the definition of mandate is:
man·date/ˈmanˌdāt/Verb:
In politics, a mandate is the authority granted by a constituency to act as its representative.[1]
The concept of a government having a legitimate mandate to govern via the fair winning of a democratic election is a central idea of democracy. New governments who attempt to introduce policies that they did not make public during an election campaign are said to not have a legitimate mandate to implement such policies.
Now I'm not an absolute genius, but reading this definition seems to make it pretty clear. If you're in a democratic election, operating in a government that is a republic, then winning by one single vote, by defninition, constitutes a mandate.
I believe Bob Dole saying at one point, and it may have been in 1988 when the Republicans won the senate, the same thing.
Its funny how not only have the Republicans self-appointed themselves as the curators of morality and social enforcement, but apparently as wordsmiths, the new Merriam Webster.
Let's not redefine age old words that should mean exactly what they mean. A mandate is a mandate is a mandate. And ONE VOTE CONSTITUTES A MANDATE!!!
Further, let's also address Florida.
Its currently 24 hours after Florida's polls closed.
And we still don't have the results from Florida.
This year, fortunately, Florida doesn't matter. I mean, of course, that the direction that their electoral votes go will not change the election. I think if, which is likely, the state does again go blue and cast its electoral votes for the President, it will be much harder to say this wasn't a landslide, which indeed I believe it was.
But the important thing should be that the voters of Florida, Republican or Democrat or Independent, feel disenfranchised, which is what I am a voice for, because they realize the nation no longer "cares" what they vote because we already know the outcome.
This is a travesty for American elections and democracy. There should be no reason these votes haven't been counted. There apparently is no sense of urgency. The states of California, New York, and Texas, all of which have a higher population, somehow managed to get their votes counted. Why can't Florida?
This is not something new for them! They've exhibited they're incapable of counting votes since the hijacking of the 2000 election. They've had 12 years to get their shit together and learn how to count votes or identify hanging chads! What more will it take to get Florida on board? Are they in the pockets of Republicans to, in the event of a closer race, once again hijack the election?
The secretary of state of Florida needs to put politics aside and reform the methods they use to count their ballots. One of the election bosses from Lee county Florida gave a press conference today, on the verge of tears, this elderly lady said something to the effect that "we know we have a problem." Then fix it! Period. If you don't know how, follow the lead of Mitt Romney and outsource the consultant from a state that has it figured out and have them show you how! But in any case, get it fixed because America's about had it with your sunny incompetence!
Now that the election has ended, and America is back in the hands of the true guardians of freedom and liberty, we can rest easier. We can wake up in the morning and know that individual rights are a little safer and less ocntrolled by religious zealots in the name of Jesus Christ. We can know the inevitable economic recovery coming in 2013 will be credited to the administration that is responsible for it. And we can feel secure that we've given the Republicans a little more life, as they'll have someone to blame their own shitty policies and mistakes on and they'll have a devisive group to run against during the next series of elections.
A FINAL PREDICTION from THE-VOICE:
Lastly, far be it from me to tell the Republicans how to run their party and frankly I could care less if they ever bring themselves back to a respectable party, but I think in many Republican coat rooms across the nation today there were hundreds of come to Jesus meetings, examing where they've disenfranchised (there it is again) voters and Americans and how they can bring them back into the fold.
They'll experience a good deal of resistance from their hardliners and older members, but if they are to survive, a good leadership would suck it up and bring themselves into the new century. Seeing that Florida has been on a path to swing Democratic against most common conventions, if they want to keep Georgia, Texas, and Arizona in the 2016 election cycle, they're going to have to do something or they'll find these states that they've banked on since Ronald Reagan are back in the blue column where they were, and rightly belong!
Be a Man, Romney!
When you only write a victory speech, makes it a little hard to be gracious and hold good sportsmanship and give your concession speech.
Waiting on Ohio results?
Why?
Take Ohio and our 18 votes and you still don't win!
Be classier than you've been in this election and give your people what they want.
Waiting on Ohio results?
Why?
Take Ohio and our 18 votes and you still don't win!
Be classier than you've been in this election and give your people what they want.
A New Day. . .
Its getting late and I have to get home. But I see that Tim Kaine in Virginia pulled off a last minute victory!!! Congratulations. Your picture comes tomorrow. Shit, now the president is coming on.
More to come, probably tomorrow.
And Romney not conceding, what's up with this guys arrogance? He probably thinks there is some way he can cheat this election. But I think the people have spoken.
More to come, probably tomorrow.
And Romney not conceding, what's up with this guys arrogance? He probably thinks there is some way he can cheat this election. But I think the people have spoken.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
My Faith in America is Restored
I want to thank America for not listening to the few harbingers of hate out there who have continually called the President a socialist, communist, non-citizen, Muslim, and all the other names they've called him while trying to vainly to hide their real sticking point, which is that he is a black man!
The president is honorable and capable and its about time we slap this shit back to the 1920s where it belongs!
The president is honorable and capable and its about time we slap this shit back to the 1920s where it belongs!
NBC
NBC calls the election for President Barack Obama!!!! Congratulations Mr. President. And a heart-filled FUCK YOU to all the bigoted haters!
And OHIO put him over!
And OHIO put him over!
First Lesbian Senator, Tammy Baldwin!
This nation has elected its first openly Lesbian Senator, Tammy Baldwin from Wisconsin! Congratulations! But I'm still not totally convinced on Hillary Clinton!
Missouri Shows Me McCaskill!!!
Claire McCaskill will return to the senate, beating the Missouri village idiot Akin!
C'Mon Sunshine State
Florida is 40,000 in favor of President Obama with 85% in. Democratic counties still out. Romney cannot win the election without this state at this point. As I said earlier, I don't think its going to be as close as many thought.
TWO DEMOCRATIC SENATE PICKUPS
CNN CALLS Massachusetts AND Indiana for Democrats for senate.
Senator-elect Elizabeth Warren takes back Ted Kennedy's seat!
And the rape man is defeated in Indiana.
Senator-elect Elizabeth Warren takes back Ted Kennedy's seat!
And the rape man is defeated in Indiana.
Florida, Ohio, and North Carolina.
I should be less confident than I am, but with Democratic Broward County in Florida still waiting to come in, I'm confident in Florida. Cuyahoga county is still scary because of the irregularities there. I'm still shocked at the closeness in North Carolina too.
Pennsylvania is still a little iffy, but I have confidence in the Keystone State!
Pennsylvania is still a little iffy, but I have confidence in the Keystone State!
Ohio
Hmmm. . .they ran out of ballots in Democratic Cuyahoga County, Ohio! Husted hustling the Republican votes again!
Florida and CNN Projections
Senator Bill Nelson will hold onto his seat in Florida.
CNN New Projections
Obama - 123
Romney - 152
Since Romney lost both Massachusetts AND Michigan, I hope they also lose Ryan's Wisconsin! That would be maybe a first when the ticket lost both home states!
CNN New Projections
Obama - 123
Romney - 152
Since Romney lost both Massachusetts AND Michigan, I hope they also lose Ryan's Wisconsin! That would be maybe a first when the ticket lost both home states!
Connecticut Chris Murphy WINS!
Chris Murphy laid the Smackdown on Linda McMahon and once again left her laying on the mat.
You'd think, after spending $80 plus million of her own money in two senate bids, that she'd see the people of Connecticut don't want her brand of politics and stop wasting her money!
OHIO, OHIO, OHIO!!!!
NBC AND CNN CALLS OHIO FOR OBAMA!
Like I said, Ohio wasn't going to forget that the President saved the auto industry. $400 million spent in Ohio alone, 20% of all national presidential spending in the Buckeye State alone!
Thank you fellow Ohioans.
Remember, no Republican in the last 100 years has won the White House without carrying Ohio!!!
Like I said, Ohio wasn't going to forget that the President saved the auto industry. $400 million spent in Ohio alone, 20% of all national presidential spending in the Buckeye State alone!
Thank you fellow Ohioans.
Remember, no Republican in the last 100 years has won the White House without carrying Ohio!!!
Massachusetts, Ted Kennedy, and Stuff!
The Senate race in Massachusetts is too close for my liking. PLEASE don't keep Ted Kennedy's seat red! That's blasphemy!
Update Ohio
Wow! Look at the early lead for the President in Ohio!
Obama- 660,980
Romney- 451,601
19% Reporting
Like I said, I don't think Ohio is going to be as close as pundits were saying.
Obama- 660,980
Romney- 451,601
19% Reporting
Like I said, I don't think Ohio is going to be as close as pundits were saying.
Sherrod Brown
Its still early but Senator Sherrod Brown is "whooping" the shit out of this little idiot Josh Mandel.
Take him down, Brown!
Take him down, Brown!
8:14 PM CNN Updates
CNN just called Georgia and Florida is currently Romney by 80K votes.
Joe Donnelly is leading that rape guy in Indiana for Senate.
Joe Donnelly is leading that rape guy in Indiana for Senate.
8PM CNN Projections
CNN Projects-
Obama
Connecticut
Delaware
DC
Illinois
Maine
Rhode Island
Maryland
Massachusetts
Romney-
Oklahoma
Too Close-
Alabama
Florida
Missippis
Missouri
Tennessee
Pennsylvania
Others
Obama
Connecticut
Delaware
DC
Illinois
Maine
Rhode Island
Maryland
Massachusetts
Romney-
Oklahoma
Too Close-
Alabama
Florida
Missippis
Missouri
Tennessee
Pennsylvania
Others
CNN North and South Carolina?
CNN already called North and South Carolina for the President. I think they've called this one too early. Maybe, maybe North, but not South.
7:30PM EDT Update and Senator Joe Manchin-WV
NBC calls:
North Carolina- Too Close
Ohio- Too Close
West Virginia- ROMNEY
Virginia- Too Close
Senator Joe Manchin in WV will return to US Senate
Manchin is a good man and was a great Governor and a good deal of Democrats have issue with him and some of his opposition to President Obama, but he does what the people of West Virginia want and he knows what he has to do in order to stay in office. I don't fault him for this.
North Carolina- Too Close
Ohio- Too Close
West Virginia- ROMNEY
Virginia- Too Close
Senator Joe Manchin in WV will return to US Senate
Manchin is a good man and was a great Governor and a good deal of Democrats have issue with him and some of his opposition to President Obama, but he does what the people of West Virginia want and he knows what he has to do in order to stay in office. I don't fault him for this.
Columbus and Ohio Update- Sherrod Brown
NBC4 Columbus is giving their own updates too.
Surely Josh Mandel won't win this seat. I wasn't too big of a personal fan of Sherrod Brown before he ran for Senate but once he won, and I did vote for him, I can honestly say that I've never seen a Senator so engaged and hands-on as Senator Brown. It would be a great injustice for him to not return to the Senate and to send someone who filed papers to run for Senate only 14 days after being elected to his current position!
Let's send Senator Sherrod Brown BACK to the Senate, Ohio!
Surely Josh Mandel won't win this seat. I wasn't too big of a personal fan of Sherrod Brown before he ran for Senate but once he won, and I did vote for him, I can honestly say that I've never seen a Senator so engaged and hands-on as Senator Brown. It would be a great injustice for him to not return to the Senate and to send someone who filed papers to run for Senate only 14 days after being elected to his current position!
Let's send Senator Sherrod Brown BACK to the Senate, Ohio!
Indiana, Really?
Early reports showing that Murdouch winning in Indiana for Senate. That would be the the biggest smear on the state of Indiana since, well, Dan Quayle!
Callings at 7:00
NBC News called Indiana and Kentucky for Romney.
They're saying this stupid "Too Early to Call" for several other states closing at 7PM. Why say that? Just say they haven't been counted yet!
Also called Vermont for President Obama.
They also said incumbent Senator Bernie Sanders, who caucauses with Democrats, is re-elected.
They're saying this stupid "Too Early to Call" for several other states closing at 7PM. Why say that? Just say they haven't been counted yet!
Also called Vermont for President Obama.
They also said incumbent Senator Bernie Sanders, who caucauses with Democrats, is re-elected.
Final Predictions
Final Toss Up Predictions (unless cheating)6:55PM EST
Obama-
Nevada
Ohio
Virginia
Colorado
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Iowa
New Hampshire
Obama-
Nevada
Ohio
Virginia
Colorado
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Iowa
New Hampshire
Break in at Seattle Democratic HQ and other Irregularities
NBC just reported that a voter in Pennsylvania tried to vote and when he clicked on President Obama, it highlighted Mitt Romney instead. He tried it several times and videotaped it on his phone showing what it was doing. The precinct captain later released a statement and said the machine had been "recalibrated" and was no longer doing it.
My question is, how long was this happening before and how many votes were cast?
It will be interesting to see how many votes are tallied and what the voter registration is.
Elsewhere, a Seattle Democratic HQ was burglarizzed sometime between last night and this morning.
Hmm.
Coupled with Husted's shenanighans here in Ohio and the ineptness we all know from Florida, this is going to be interesting.
Can they cheat another election?
It seems to be the only way they're able to win one.
My question is, how long was this happening before and how many votes were cast?
It will be interesting to see how many votes are tallied and what the voter registration is.
Elsewhere, a Seattle Democratic HQ was burglarizzed sometime between last night and this morning.
Hmm.
Coupled with Husted's shenanighans here in Ohio and the ineptness we all know from Florida, this is going to be interesting.
Can they cheat another election?
It seems to be the only way they're able to win one.
DECISION TWENTY TWELVE- BACK IN BALL-ACK!!
A new last minute campaign slogan-
Decision Twenty Twelve- Back in Ball-ack! (Obama)
Picture taken by The-Voice Nick Yaekle November 6, 2012. Ohio Statehouse. Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved.
Decision Twenty Twelve- Back in Ball-ack! (Obama)
Picture taken by The-Voice Nick Yaekle November 6, 2012. Ohio Statehouse. Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved.
Popular Vote- Electoral Vote
I'm confident that President Obama will win a second term.
I'm not as confident that he will win the popular vote!
You watch, if a repeat of 2000 occurs, less the hijacking of the American voice by the US Supreme court, the Republicans will scream so loud, cry so hard, and bitch and moan so long, that the American people will begin to think they are right, just like with Romney during the election. He said the same things so many times for so long and without apology or retraction that eventually his supporters and others started thinking, "man, he keeps on saying this and no one is saying anything else, then he must be right!"
I am in favor of abolishing the electoral college. Have been before the 2000 debacle. But I am not in favor of doing it when a presidential election weighs in the balance.
So suck it Republicans, like we Democrats had to do when Bush and the Supreme Court STOLE that election and forever damaged American Republic Democracy!
I'm not as confident that he will win the popular vote!
You watch, if a repeat of 2000 occurs, less the hijacking of the American voice by the US Supreme court, the Republicans will scream so loud, cry so hard, and bitch and moan so long, that the American people will begin to think they are right, just like with Romney during the election. He said the same things so many times for so long and without apology or retraction that eventually his supporters and others started thinking, "man, he keeps on saying this and no one is saying anything else, then he must be right!"
I am in favor of abolishing the electoral college. Have been before the 2000 debacle. But I am not in favor of doing it when a presidential election weighs in the balance.
So suck it Republicans, like we Democrats had to do when Bush and the Supreme Court STOLE that election and forever damaged American Republic Democracy!
Its 3:00 and its ALL about OHIO (and Jon Husted)!
Once again, Ohio is at the "heart of it all" concering the election.
Ohio Republican Secretary of State Jon Husted set in motion last Friday the first of a chain of disenfranchising voting tactics. First, he ordered that election workers are not to fill out the provisional ballot letter which they had always done, and instead said that the voter must fill it out. If the letter is illegible, signed in the wrong place or not at all, or "questionable," then the vote is thrown out. Most of these are cast by poorer voters or even homeless voters, many of which are Democrats or potentially Democratic leaning. Secondly, I heard on Sirius Xm POTUS radio this afternoon that he also ordered two precincts in the Akron area to be closed, leading those who would vote in those precincts to show up at the polling place and then be sent elsewhere. It should be stated that these precincts, which each had about 1400 voters, are mostly DEMOCRATIC. They have been rerouted to another precinct that will now house over 4000 voters with the same number of poll workers! Talk about old school voter suppression!
Ohio is already in the spotlight, as you can see by the pictures my son and I took this afternoon at the Ohio Statehouse, located in the capitol city of Columbus.
Media from CNN, Eurovision, Fox News, CBS News (Chicago bureau), C-SPAN, among others have already converged on Third and High Streets.
My prediction is that unless these dirty efforts of voter neglect are successful, Ohio will not be as close as some are thinking.
And I've started hearing that Pennsylvania will also be close. I think this is the Republican talking machines putting this out there in order to reenergize any last minute voters. I don't believe PA will be in play.
I am still concerned about Wisconsin, Nevada, North Carolina, and Virginia.
But I squarely believe Ohio will once again come through for the President!
Monday, November 5, 2012
2012 Electoral Predictions
Predictions for the 2012 Presidential Election The states highlighted in blue are my predictions for the states where President Barack Obama will win the electoral vote, red where Willard Romney will win. I've made a couple of bold and decisive decisions on some of the states, so we'll have to see how it goes, particularly in North Carolina, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, and Colorado. List of 50 United States in Alphabetical Order - Worksheet
| 1 | Alabama | 14 | ROMNEY |
| 2 | Alaska | 4 | ROMNEY |
| 3 | Arizona | 11 | ROMNEY |
| 4 | Arkansas | 6 | ROMNEY |
| 5 | California | 55 | OBAMA |
| 6 | Colorado | 9 | OBAMA |
| 7 | Connecticut | 7 | OBAMA |
| 8 | Delaware | 3 | OBAMA |
| 9 | Florida | 29 | ROMNEY |
| 10 | Georgia | 16 | ROMNEY |
| 11 | Hawaii | 3 | OBAMA |
| 12 | Idaho | 4 | ROMNEY |
| 13 | Illinois | 20 | OBAMA |
| 14 | Indiana | 11 | ROMNEY |
| 15 | Iowa | 6 | OBAMA |
| 16 | Kansas | 6 | ROMNEY |
| 17 | Kentucky | 8 | ROMNEY |
| 18 | Louisiana | 8 | ROMNEY |
| 19 | Maine | 4 | OBAMA |
| 20 | Maryland | 10 | OBAMA |
| 21 | Massachusetts | 11 | OBAMA |
| 22 | Michigan | 16 | OBAMA |
| 23 | Minnesota | 10 | OBAMA |
| 24 | Mississippi | 6 | ROMNEY |
| 25 | Missouri | 10 | ROMNEY |
| 26 | Montana | 3 | ROMNEY |
| 27 | Nebraska | 5 | ROMNEY |
| 28 | Nevada | 6 | OBAMA |
| 29 | New Hampshire | 4 | OBAMA |
| 30 | New Jersey | 14 | OBAMA |
| 31 | New Mexico | 5 | OBAMA |
| 32 | New York | 29 | OBAMA |
| 33 | North Carolina | 15 | OBAMA |
| 34 | North Dakota | 3 | ROMNEY |
| 35 | Ohio | 18 | OBAMA |
| 36 | Oklahoma | 7 | ROMNEY |
| 37 | Oregon | 7 | OBAMA |
| 38 | Pennsylvania | 20 | OBAMA |
| 39 | Rhode Island | 4 | OBAMA |
| 40 | South Carolina | 9 | ROMNEY |
| 41 | South Dakota | 3 | ROMNEY |
| 42 | Tennessee | 11 | ROMNEY |
| 43 | Texas | 38 | ROMNEY |
| 44 | Utah | 6 | ROMNEY |
| 45 | Vermont | 3 | OBAMA |
| 46 | Virginia | 13 | OBAMA |
| 47 | Washington | 12 | OBAMA |
| 48 | West Virginia | 5 | ROMNEY |
| 49 | Wisconsin | 14 | OBAMA |
| 50 | Wyoming | 14 | ROMNEY |
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA 2.0
Sunday, November 4, 2012
A Rare Nod to a Right Wing Conservative
I ran across this article from the ultra-conservative blog, www.redstate.com. To see what the far right thought of Williard Romney just one year ago. Very interesting and a great deal of truth, at least in this particular piece.
Here is the link
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Pre-Election Information 2012
While my official blogging on the final days of this 2012 Presidential election will begin tonight, I wanted to post a link to a website I've used since 2000 to track all the national races. I find it to be relatively accurate and non-partisan and it contains a good deal of information.
Additionally, I believe it should update on election night to show the most recent results and predictions.
Additionally, I believe it should update on election night to show the most recent results and predictions.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
2012 White House Correspondent's Dinner
Kudos to Jimmy Kimmel and President Obama for showcasing the funniest correspondent's dinner since some of the early 1980s Reagan ones.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
UPDATE on Yesterday's Post- EARL SCRUGGS
I posted my list of the top ten male singers in country music last night and I wake this morning to find that we've lost a true giant in the field of music and bluegrass. May you rest in peace, Mr. Scruggs, and hurry on up there and find Lester and get to pickin'!
 |
| Earl Scruggs 1924-2012 |
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
The Top Ten Country Music Singers of All Time (Male)
For a while now I've been wanting to start writing a series of top ten lists. I guess my original inspiration for this was a TV program a few years ago counting down the top 100 country music male singers of all time. I was so outraged that they placed a "talker" and not a singer, Johnny Cash, as the number one choice, that I felt I had to at least get my opinion out there.
From ten to one, here is the list I've compiled. The placement on the list of some of them were tough decisions, some weren't. Where the idea hits me, I will include a little backstory or commentary on the things that weighed on my choice.
I know he's not everyone's cup of tea, but if for no other reason than his unique and instantly recognizable voice, his co-fathering of the Outlaw country movement (with Waylon Jennings), and his songwriting (He wrote "Hello Walls" for Faron Young and tried to give him "Ain't It Funny How Time Slips Away" as a follow-up, which Faron declined) and staying power, the Red-Headed Stranger comes in on my list at number ten. Check out the song, "Gotta Get Drunk" to hear an obscure but beautifully done song from one of the masters.
I know, its now one singer, and they're technically not country, but I don't think any list can be complete without the innovators and country gentlemen known as Flatt and Scruggs. Lester and Earl once played for Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys, but left to go out on their own. After throwing a fit and trying to black-ball them from leaving, they finally secured their own record deal and the rest was history. "The Theme from the Beverly Hillbillies" is probably their best known song outside of the bluegrass world, but "Pearl, Pearl, Pearl," "Saro Jane," and a lesser known "The Last Public Hanging in Old West Virginia" are three of my favorites. Lester's fun dialogue and Earl's inventive and often-copied banjo playing make their live performances true gems.
8.) Conway Twitty
When Conway Twitty recorded and released "It's Only Make Believe" in 1958, many people thought it was Elvis Presley (Elvis did cover Twitty's "(There's a Honky-Tonk Angel) Who'll Take Me Back In") simply recording under another name. Soon, the world realized that Harold Jenkins from an area between Conway, Arkansas and Twitty, Texas was actually his own person. He quickly found his audience was more in country and switched over. He recorded successfully a string of songs with Loretta Lynn, held the record until 2006 for the most number one songs by a country artist, and is frequently a posthumous guest on "Family Guy," but he will always be, as he was once described, as the best friend a song ever had. Not always the best singer, but NO ONE could interpret a song and deliver it like Conway. Of course, "Hello Darlin," became his signature song, but the mildly strange, "Touch the Hand" is definitely worth checking out. Its also important to note that women to this day find his low-intensity growling and baritone voice sexy.
Not just because he's known as "The Voice" in country music, but because of his impeccable phrasing, incredible choice in songs, and his melodious and purely country sound. While he had recorded with his brother as The Gosdins, his real commercial success didn't come until his 1987 release on Columbia Records, "Chiseled in Stone." While the title song never reached number one, Gosdin and Max D. Barnes did win the CMA award for Song of the Year with the song. I can safely say that this one song, "Chiseled in Stone" rivals George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today" as the saddest and most country song ever recorded. If the line ". . .you don't know lonely, til its chiseled in stone" doesn't bring a tear to your eye, you're possibly not human! "Is It Raining In Your House" and "If You're Gonna Do Me Wrong (Do It Right)" are classics that can't be missed.
6.) Jerry Reed
Had he had more recordings, I would have certainly ranked Jerry Reed higher. For my money, Reed was the best country guitar player to ever pick. Elvis thought so also. He's probably more known for his role outside of music in mainstream audiences as Cletus (Snowman) in the Smokey and the Bandit movies or as the mean Coach in Adam Sandler's The Waterboy. "Eastbound and Down" (the theme from Smokey) is his most famous recording and still makes me want to drive fast and outrun the law every time it comes on the radio. I love his phrasing and how me sings like he talks, casually yet flawless. Some of his novelty songs are among the best in that genre, but probably the best among these show off Reed's spot-on ability to mimic other singers: "The Bird." Even George Jones and Willie Nelson, who are mimicked on this song, have personally asked Reed to do it for them, as they were so impressed. An obscure album, Jerry Reed Sings Jim Croce, is a remarkable tribute effort worth checking out.
5.) Waylon Jennings
"(Theme from) The Dukes of Hazzard" and him being the narrator/balladeer brought him national attention, but this original outlaw had been a part of country music as long as Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. His rich and deep voice is still imitated, but his drinking and drug use is matched only by a few in any genre of music. Every time I see an interview with his giant of music I feel he would have been a great person to know. "Honky Tonk Heroes" and his duet with Willie Nelson "Good Hearted Woman" from The Outlaws album are among my favorites, but the obscure duet with Nelson, "Old Age and Treachery" is a great showcase for his talent and humor. His marriage to fellow singer Jessie Colter produced a rocker offspring, Shooter Jennings, who flawlessly portrayed his father in the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line. Many don a cowboy hat and try to capture that outlaw image, but with this one, there'll never be anyone who can step into his shoes. "Amanda" is probably his overall best recording.
4.) Johnny Paycheck
Donnie Lytle from Greenfield, Ohio would do more for country music than most people will ever know. Aside from the obvious, "Take This Job And Shove It," and his infamous stint in prison for shooting a man in an Ohio bar, Paycheck's influence is still felt today. Working as a backup singer for George Jones, Paycheck taught Jones his unique vocal styling that propelled a mid-list Jones to the top of the heap of singers. Paycheck also sang harmony on songs for Ray Price, Faron Young, and Roger Miller, before recording on his own under the name Donny Young. he wrote Tammy Wynette's first number one, "Apartment #9," and co-wrote one of Jones' greatest songs, "Once You've Had the Best." Some of his best works are "Colorado Cool-Aid," "Slide Off Of Your Satin Sheets," (as a response to Jeanne Pruett's "Satin Sheets"), and"I'm The Only Hell (My Momma Ever Raised)." Posthumously, his song "Old Violin" has become immensely popular and is truly a great reflection song written by Paycheck the day before he would start his prison sentence, but for my money, a very little known song called "The Feminine Touch" is the all-time best Johnny Paycheck song.
3.) Faron Young
Known as the Hillbilly Heart-Throb and the Singing Sheriff, Faron Young might seem like a strange choice for what is mostly a hardcore country list. But you can't deny the vocal stylings and cross-appeal of Faron Young. He is the innovator of what would become known as the Country-politan sound, a more strings and less twangy vocal sound, and one of the first true superstars in and out of country music. His voice could have certainly found him more success in a pop field but his desire to stay with what he loved carved himself a nitch in country music. The Willie Nelson penned "Hello Walls" became his signature hit, but his string of hits included such classic gems as "Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young," "Leaving and Saying Goodbye," and "It's Four in the Morning." Personal favorites include "Wine Me Up" and "Goin Steady" (which has a fast track style that only Faron could have pulled off as country) and the duet with Margie Singleton, "Keepin Up with The Jones'." He also co-founded the country trade magazine, Music City News and heavily invested his money in Nashville Music Row property, but lost most of his vast fortune during a divorce. Sadly, Young lived and died the stereotypical country song, shooting himself with a .10 calibre shotgun, apparently despondent over his deteriorating health. And as a side note, he really was an incredibly good looking man, even when he got older.
2.) Hank Williams
What can I possibly say about Hank Williams that hasn't already been said? Well, I can say that the last two on my list were the hardest. The hardest because I had to decide which to put where or whether to make it a tie. But after serious thought, I decided Hank would be second. Of course, his songwriting should put him at the number one spot for all of music. But his natural and effortless twang place him at the helm of father of the hillbilly sound. His brief life was filled with enough heartaches to genuinely write all the pain he poured into his songs. Hard living, excessive booze and pills, tumultuous relationships, and a true "walk the walk" lifestyle earned him a much deserved, although odd sounding, place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but his contributions to modern popular music of all genres is far reaching at least. Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, Teresa Brewer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Conway Twitty, Merle Haggard, and many many others have recorded his songs. "Moanin' the Blues," "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive," (which was ironically his last single), "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," "Your Cheatin' Heart," and "I Saw the Light," are some of the best. Not bad for a relatively uneducated Alabama boy who was taught guitar by an old black man named Rufus Payne on the streets of Georgiana, AL.
AND THE UNDISPUTED KING OF COUNTRY MUSIC and #1. . .
GEORGE JONES
Some singers sing. Some singers croon. George Jones oozes.
Connie Smith called him the "Cadillac of Country Singers." The Possum. The King. The President of Country Music. I call him the Emperor of Pain.
Waylon Jennings, and others, said, "If we could all sound like we wanted to, we'd all sound like George Jones."
I safely say that there is not one singer in country music, or any music, that can sing a song like George Jones. His voice is distinct and unique and often copied. His voice literally oozes the pain and hardship he's put himself through. His voice brings forth emotions where one thought emotions couldn't be found. Sadness drips from his phrasing like a leaky faucet. I've never heard another singer who could take a three-letter, one syllable word and stretch is a full bar and still make it sound natural and good.
Johnny Paycheck taught him the breath control and vocal phrasing that sent Jones to the heights he'd longed for. In turn, Jones taught Paycheck the ins and outs of cocaine and alcohol abuse. But their friendship and collaboration endured, much as Jones' voice did. His marriage and singing partnership with the possibly best country female voice, Tammy Wynette, is the stuff country music fairy tales are made of. His list of accolades and songs is endless, but I'm including some of my favorites. Of course, "He Stopped Loving Her Today" is by far the hardest hitting and greatest of his songs (probably the best country song of all time period).
I know I'll cry the day George Jones dies. Any music lover should. Jones sang a song called, "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes?" and I can honestly say, I've pondered that question myself for years. And the only answer about who's gonna fill Jones' shoes is no one!
Some of the lesser known songs that need to be heard by those not as familiar with Jones are: "Don't Leave Without Taking Your Silver," "Wild Irish Rose," "C.C. Waterback" with Merle Haggard, "The Door," "We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds," with Melba Montgomery, "Right Left Hand," "What My Woman Can't Do," "Once You've Had the Best," "The Grand Tour," "Bartender's Blues," "I've Aged Twenty Years in Five," "Tennessee Whiskey," "Wine Colored Roses," "Who's Gonna Cut My Baby's Kindlin (When I'm Gone," "Mama's Family Bible," and all the duets with Tammy. Additionally, many artists have written or recorded songs about Jones, but among the best are Alan Jackson's "Playing Possum" and Becky Hobbs' "Jones on the Jukebox."
I feel I need to give honorable mention to a couple of singers. Merle Haggard, Hank Thompson, Gene Watson, Jimmy Martin, Brad Paisley, and Buck Owens.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Rick Santorum? Really?
Are people really still contributing to the Rick Santorum campaign? I mean, really? Do they honestly believe he has a remote chance of winning anything? His shady attempts at being a man of integrity all the while airing truncated and grossly misleading ads against Mitt Romney are the epitome of so many in the Christian religious right. The guy makes our Democratic own Dennis Kucinich seem like a sane and respected politician.
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