SUMMER
2011

LOVE NOTES

This time I would like to spotlight Country music. Whether it�s traditional Country or Southern Rock, I love this music genre. I suppose it comes from my Southern roots and that I do remember my mother listening to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio. Yes I know. I�m dating myself, but it is what it is. I�m certain some of you remember the �Glen Campbell Show,� �Hee-Haw,� and the �Garth Brooks Show.� Yes � they were all about Country music. About five years ago I tuned into a Country cable channel to hear and watch the latest videos. That�s when I discovered Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw.

Whether it�s Country or Southern Rock, the music is not only infectious but also memorable. Country music managed to crossover into pop and contemporary music years before it became trendy. The most obvious artist is Ray Charles�s �I Can�t Stop Loving You.� Whitney Houston�s blockbuster hit �I Will Always Love You,� was written and originally recorded by Dolly Parton. Have you heard Brownstone�s rendition of the Eagle�s �I Can�t Tell You Why?� It�s beyond awesome.

How many know the words to Glen Campbell�s �By the Time I Get to Phoenix,� or �Wichita Lineman?� I know I do. And for those who�ve experienced a cheating spouse or partner: Carrie Underwood�s �Before He Cheats.� My personal favorites are Montgomery Gentry�s �Gone.� I admire six-foot-plus, two hundred pound-plus Eddie Montgomery for performing in red boots and occasionally a dog-rag. The good ole boy is sexy as hell!

Have you ever listened to the lyrics to Faith Hill�s �Breathe,� or checked out the video to Tim McGraw and Nelly�s �Over and Over?� I know some of you have sung along with Kid Rock�s �All Summer Long.� Whether you like Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, Darius Rucker, The Dixie Chicks, or Lynrd Skynyrd, Country continues to meld into mainstream music.

I have hundreds of songs in my iPod and Country and Southern Rock is well represented:

“Big Star”                                        “Gone”
“Desperado”                                   “Bless the Broken Road”
“I Can’t Make You Love Me”             “Landslide”
“Drugs or Jesus”                            “All I Have to Offer You Is Me”
�Feels Like Today�

Email me your favorites at ralersbooks@aol.com and I will list them next month.