Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
The Soundtrack - Lynyrd Skynyrd
In Knight of Hearts, Mac is a fan of classic rock, but for him, that also includes Southern Rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd. They left us too soon, but they left us a legacy of wonderful music.
The Soundtrack - The Charlie Daniels Band
In Knight of Hearts
, Rachel is a big fan of Outlaw Country. Charlie Daniels is one of those outlaws.
The fiddle has always had a place in country music, but no one has brought it to forefront like Charlie Daniels. The band's biggest hit is the crossover song, The Devil Went Down To Georgia
. It's a song I expect folks who don't even like country music know.
I have a friend in Seattle who sings Irish Folk music, and I asked him once what qualified music as "folk." His answer was that it told a story. By that definition, Charlie is as much a folk singer as he is country, so I included Midnight Train
. There's a lot I love about this song. The way the music has that train rhythm, the way Charlie never misses a beat in the lyrics, the fiddle as train whistle. All of it comes together in a way that makes me smile when I hear it.
I could have included this in my post on Chris LeDoux, but there were so many great songs to choose from for that post. And really, it's Charlie's contribution to Caballo Diablo
that makes me catch my breath. I actually think that if, as a writer, I could capture that same feeling I have when this song hushes and Charlie speaks the lyrics so softly that you almost have to strain to hear it . . . I'm not sure what that would look like on the page, but it's something I would like very much to achieve.
Charlie's one of a kind.
, Rachel is a big fan of Outlaw Country. Charlie Daniels is one of those outlaws.The fiddle has always had a place in country music, but no one has brought it to forefront like Charlie Daniels. The band's biggest hit is the crossover song, The Devil Went Down To Georgia
. It's a song I expect folks who don't even like country music know.I have a friend in Seattle who sings Irish Folk music, and I asked him once what qualified music as "folk." His answer was that it told a story. By that definition, Charlie is as much a folk singer as he is country, so I included Midnight Train
. There's a lot I love about this song. The way the music has that train rhythm, the way Charlie never misses a beat in the lyrics, the fiddle as train whistle. All of it comes together in a way that makes me smile when I hear it.I could have included this in my post on Chris LeDoux, but there were so many great songs to choose from for that post. And really, it's Charlie's contribution to Caballo Diablo
that makes me catch my breath. I actually think that if, as a writer, I could capture that same feeling I have when this song hushes and Charlie speaks the lyrics so softly that you almost have to strain to hear it . . . I'm not sure what that would look like on the page, but it's something I would like very much to achieve.Charlie's one of a kind.
Wishing You a Creepy Halloween
There's lots of Christmas music out there. There are songs that lend themselves to the 4th of July. Lord knows there's a million songs that work for Valentine's Day. There aren't many that make me think of Halloween. This one comes close. (Actually, it makes me think of scary stories around a campfire.) If I'm in the right frame of mind, this song actually gives me goosebumps.
Happy Halloween, everyone!
Happy Halloween, everyone!
The Soundtrack - Three Dog Night
In Knight of Hearts, Mac is a fan of old-time rock and roll. (Odd, how my characters like the music I like.) One of the groups that shows up on the CD player in his truck is Three Dog Night. This video is actually pretty cheesy but it's the best I could find for their classic, Eli's Coming.
, Mac is a fan of old-time rock and roll. (Odd, how my characters like the music I like.) One of the groups that shows up on the CD player in his truck is Three Dog Night. This video is actually pretty cheesy but it's the best I could find for their classic, Eli's Coming.The Soundtrack - Clint Black
In Knight of Hearts, Mac's avocation is poker. Specifically, Texas Hold 'Em. Bluffing and playing his cards (both literally and figuratively) close to his chest comes up often in the story, so even though I'm not a huge fan of Clint Black's, I had to include the song A Good Run of Bad Luck. It's just so Mac.
Another of Clint's songs I especially like.
Another of Clint's songs I especially like.
The Sountrack - Jerry Jeff Walker
Even though I'd heard the name for years, I didn't really know who Jerry Jeff Walker was. I did know some of his songs, and I'll bet you do, too. In fact, one of his songs was a long-time favorite of mine. I even learned all five verses, so I could sing it on Sunday nights when my local pub went all jam-session and any one could get up and sing. (No, this wasn't karaoke. No monitor with the words. Just a live guitar player and my jangly nerves.) My signature song? Mr. Bojangles.
... which has been recorded by everyone from Sammy Davis Jr to Neil Diamond to Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. I'm not good at Name That Tune, but this is one I recognize from the first few chords. I love that.
Another favorite of mine. No, not the Eagles version. This one will tug your heartstrings.
I remember this, too, from my younger days.
... which has been recorded by everyone from Sammy Davis Jr to Neil Diamond to Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. I'm not good at Name That Tune, but this is one I recognize from the first few chords. I love that.
Another favorite of mine. No, not the Eagles version. This one will tug your heartstrings.
I remember this, too, from my younger days.
The Soundtrack - Trace Adkins
At the opening of Knight of Hearts, Mac walks into a hotel bar in Texas and sees Rachel sitting on a bar stool. It seemed like the perfect place for the song There's a Girl in Texas by Trace Adkins.
Now I love baritones. Josh Turner, Rodney Atkins, Jason Aldean, Trace . . . I have to admit, of all the baritones I listen to, Josh Turner has the prettiest voice, but a voice isn't everything. Song choice and delivery count, indeed sometimes trump voice, and Trace's sense of humor often shows up in his song choice. He loves songs with double entendres. One of his bigger "fun" songs is Honky Tonk Badonkadonk.
So now I admit my bias. I love Trace. I have all his albums, so I know he has tons of good songs, but to be be honest, I wish I could pick his single releases. If that were my job, half the songs on his Comin' on Strong
album would have been singles. But even as good as that album is, my all time favorite song is on X (TEN)
. The song Can't Outrun You (album cut, so no video) transcends genre, especially with the minimal musical accompaniment that perfectly compliments Trace's singing. This gives you a real preview of the power in this man's voice. It's breathtaking. I always stop what I'm doing when this song plays, close my eyes, and take it in.
What were they thinking not releasing this as a single?
Now I love baritones. Josh Turner, Rodney Atkins, Jason Aldean, Trace . . . I have to admit, of all the baritones I listen to, Josh Turner has the prettiest voice, but a voice isn't everything. Song choice and delivery count, indeed sometimes trump voice, and Trace's sense of humor often shows up in his song choice. He loves songs with double entendres. One of his bigger "fun" songs is Honky Tonk Badonkadonk.
So now I admit my bias. I love Trace. I have all his albums, so I know he has tons of good songs, but to be be honest, I wish I could pick his single releases. If that were my job, half the songs on his Comin' on Strong album would have been singles. But even as good as that album is, my all time favorite song is on X (TEN). The song Can't Outrun You (album cut, so no video) transcends genre, especially with the minimal musical accompaniment that perfectly compliments Trace's singing. This gives you a real preview of the power in this man's voice. It's breathtaking. I always stop what I'm doing when this song plays, close my eyes, and take it in. What were they thinking not releasing this as a single?
The Soundtrack - Chris LeDoux
Music is one of the things I consider when I think about my characters. Who they listen to says something about who they are. So who does Sol, the hero in my upcoming release, listen to? Why, Chris LeDoux
, of course. Who else would a bull rider listen to but an honest-to-God Champion Bareback Rider?Chris is a little hard to categorize. He called his music country with a western attitude. He wrote many a rodeo song, but sometimes he put a rock spin on them. He's not only recorded with country greats Garth Brooks and Charlie Daniels, but also with rocker Bon Jovi.
I like everything Chris recorded, but at heart, I'm a ballad kind of person, and Chris gave us some lovely ballads. I slipped this one in at Zach and Maddie's wedding reception because that's where this song belongs.
At one time, many, many moons ago, Garth Brooks was Chris's opening act. Garth credits Chris with teaching him how to put on a show. Garth's first hit, Much Too Young (to Feel This Damned Old) includes a line about driving down the road listening to "a worn-out tape of Chris LeDoux" which put the spotlight on Chris. The two developed a close friendship and Garth was featured in a couple of Chris's songs.
Sadly, some things do change. Chris died far too young in 2005, but his music keeps him alive in the hearts of his many fans.
The Soundtrack - Waylon Jennings
In Knight of Hearts, Rachel is a fan of Outlaw Country, which includes artists like Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, and Johnny Cash. These are more than just Big Name Artists. They're legendary and as such, they deserve individual attention.
Even if you're not a country fan, you still might know Waylon's voice, because he both voiced the narrator and sang the theme song for The Dukes of Hazard.
By only a stroke of luck though did we get to know Waylon. He recorded his first song in 1958 but continued to play in Buddy Holly's band. During a 1959 tour, he gave up his seat on a plane to the Big Bopper. That ill-fated plane crashed, killing not only the Bopper, but Buddy Holly, and Ritchie Valens.
Like many of the older country musicians, music videos weren't part of Waylon's career. There are videos of live performances, but I opted for this version because I couldn't find a performance video that included the female vocal in the background. Maybe that's a minor point for some, but it adds a poignancy that moves me, and I didn't want you to miss it. And for me, including the song Amanda is a no brainer. One of the most beautiful love ballads ever.
Waylon didn't just occasional sing duets. For one album, a group called The Outlaws formed, consisting of Waylon, his wife Jessi Colter, Willie Nelson, and Tompall Glaser. He partnered for a couple of albums with Willie Nelson, including the Grammy Award winning album Waylon & Willie.
As if that wasn't enough, Waylon and Willie joined forces with two more country legends, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson, to form the band The Highwaymen. This was never what one would call a big career move. More like an excuse for the four friends to play together.
Waylon put out some great music and I'm so glad we got the chance to know him.
The Soundtrack - Josh Turner
I often write with music playing. It helps put me in the right mindset for the stories I write. It also finds its way into my stories. It's one of the ways I personalize my characters. I think it works well for the readers who are familiar with the music, and I have gotten comments on it in Goodread reviews. It also gives me a chance to introduce the music I love to my readers, if they're interested in following up.
I love it enough though, that I want to go a step further, so I decided that maybe once a month, I would explore the songs of one of the artists mentioned in my stories. So bless youtube, here we go.
When I was writing A Knight In Cowboy Boots
, I had just come back to county music in a big way. (One of these days, maybe I'll explore my musical odyssey here.) Josh Turner was key to that return. I happened to catch his performance on one of the country awards shows about the time he released his sophomore album, Your Man
. He'd been nominated for the Horizon Award on that program, so he sang the song currently on the charts, Would You Go With Me.
Now I LOVE baritones, and Josh has probably the prettiest baritone voice I've ever heard. It doesn't hurt that I love the rolling banjo in this song, too. (Or that Josh is so darn cute with that great smile.)
It took a few weeks but I couldn't shake the memory of that gorgeous voice, so I went out and bought the CD. At first, I thought Would You Go With Me was the only really good song on it, but it was good enough that I played that one song a dozen times. Then finally, I decided to give the rest of the CD a second chance. I can only claim to have been momentarily out of my mind that first time because the CD is AWESOME. I put it in the 5-CD changer I had at the time, where it stayed for MONTHS. I listened to it through the writing of A Knight in Cowboy Boots, and the songs started weaving their way into the story. When Zach and Maddie meet, they dance to the music on Zach's IPod, which turned out to be the same music I was listening to. (You knew that was coming, right?)
The song Your Man became their theme song. It's even the first song they dance to when Rachel and Mac go to their wedding reception in Knight of Hearts.
I'm going to include one more song. This one's an album cut, so there's no official video, but I like album cuts. Some of my favorite songs are album cuts. Maybe that's because I don't hear them often enough for them to get stale. Then again, I often shake my head over the songs that get released as single and the ones that get passed over. If I weren't writing books, that's the job I'd want. Single picker. There would be a lot more ballads on the airwaves if I had my way.
So that's how I came back to country music, and how Zach and Maddie found "their song." And I still perk my ears up when someone says "baritone." So who's your favorite baritone?
I love it enough though, that I want to go a step further, so I decided that maybe once a month, I would explore the songs of one of the artists mentioned in my stories. So bless youtube, here we go.
When I was writing A Knight In Cowboy Boots
, I had just come back to county music in a big way. (One of these days, maybe I'll explore my musical odyssey here.) Josh Turner was key to that return. I happened to catch his performance on one of the country awards shows about the time he released his sophomore album, Your Man. He'd been nominated for the Horizon Award on that program, so he sang the song currently on the charts, Would You Go With Me.Now I LOVE baritones, and Josh has probably the prettiest baritone voice I've ever heard. It doesn't hurt that I love the rolling banjo in this song, too. (Or that Josh is so darn cute with that great smile.)
It took a few weeks but I couldn't shake the memory of that gorgeous voice, so I went out and bought the CD. At first, I thought Would You Go With Me was the only really good song on it, but it was good enough that I played that one song a dozen times. Then finally, I decided to give the rest of the CD a second chance. I can only claim to have been momentarily out of my mind that first time because the CD is AWESOME. I put it in the 5-CD changer I had at the time, where it stayed for MONTHS. I listened to it through the writing of A Knight in Cowboy Boots, and the songs started weaving their way into the story. When Zach and Maddie meet, they dance to the music on Zach's IPod, which turned out to be the same music I was listening to. (You knew that was coming, right?)The song Your Man became their theme song. It's even the first song they dance to when Rachel and Mac go to their wedding reception in Knight of Hearts.
I'm going to include one more song. This one's an album cut, so there's no official video, but I like album cuts. Some of my favorite songs are album cuts. Maybe that's because I don't hear them often enough for them to get stale. Then again, I often shake my head over the songs that get released as single and the ones that get passed over. If I weren't writing books, that's the job I'd want. Single picker. There would be a lot more ballads on the airwaves if I had my way.
So that's how I came back to country music, and how Zach and Maddie found "their song." And I still perk my ears up when someone says "baritone." So who's your favorite baritone?
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