I guess this video best shares what I would like to say or write about Pete Seeger . . .

It will be a while before I can write about the death of Pete Seeger.  He was one of my heroes.  In fact, I think he was one of the last of my heroes who was still alive . . . until this past Monday, when Pete died at the age of 94.

I'll let this video speak for me . . . until I can put my thoughts and feelings into appropriate words, words that will hopefully bless others as they read . . . and be a blessing for me when I finish writing.

I think this video is from a concert in Washington D.C. in the late 70's, maybe early 80's  . . . when Pete toured regularly with Arlo Guthrie.

There is something about the strength of his voice, and how he engaged with the audience, encouraging them to join together to sing.  That was one thing about Pete's concerts as opposed to others.  You went to his concerts knowing you were going to sing along, and not just listen.

God's grace, and remembering my people are your heroes in the first place, still amazes me . . . ><>

My favorite story about Pete Seeger w/ Arlo Guthrie

Another good article about Pete Seeger's life ...

An article in the New York Times about Pete Seeger can be found here. 

God's grace still amazes me . . . ><>

Bruce Springsteen speak at Pete Seeger's 90th birthday . . .

Our President pays tribute to Pete Seeger . . .

President Obama pays tribute to Pete Seeger as reported by the BBC here.  I though this is one of the better articles circulating since Pete's death on Monday of this week.


God's grace still amazes me . . . ><>

Another tribute article about Pete Seeger with pictures . . .

Pretty much the same info is being shared in most articles about Pete Seeger's death yesterday.   Click here for the article at Yahoo-Music which has some good pictures.

God's grace till amazes me . . . ><>

Pete Seeger dies at 94 years old . . .

I knew it would happen one day . . .

As many funerals and memorials services as I have officiated over 25+ years of ministry . . . I know better than some that we all have our last day.

Pete Seeger's last day was yesterday, January 27, 2014.  He was 94 years old.  He passed after a short illness surrounded by his family.

I have written quite a bit about my appreciation of Pete.  I will let those articles stand for the time being.  I will write a tribute after I have given it some thought.

I will be posting links to articles about his life as I come across them.

The article that CNN posted this morning can be found here.

God's grace still amazes me . . . ><>

The "King" lives! Really, I bumped into him on Friday . . .

I was over at Murphy's Music in Irving on Friday, meeting a friend for lunch.

While I was there, I had the privilege of bumping into Kraig Parker, my most favorite-in-the-whole-wide-world Elvis impersonator.

It was great to re-connect with Kraig.  For several years he provided an Elvis show here at our church on the Sunday before the Super Bowl.

For the record . . . in my humble opinion . . . Kraig is the best.

For more info on Kraig, check out www.thekinglives.com.

Mercy . . . uh-huh!


God's grace still amazes me . . . ><>

Really . . . this impresses me . . .

I am aware that my dear mother and 5-6 other people usually read this blog.

And I am grateful to my Mom for many things, and to all else who read my ramblings.

So, it probably comes as no surprise to you that I recorded a small CD (only printed 300 copies) of my singing a bunch of the songs I have sung to and for children during the Children's Time in various worship services over many years, as well as songs I've sung at Vacation Bible Schools across North Central Texas.

All the money went to support Hugworks and the Kenya Kids Can project.  I believe about $3,000 has been raised to date.

And, I still have some CD's left if you would like order some for yourself or friends . . .

I raised the money for this CD through my Mom's generous help and through the donations of some others people, and a few bucks that my wife and I pitched in.   With the help of Wren Robinson, my fellow partner in ministry here at FUMC-Grapevine (who produced the album for free), and a local studio that mixed the songs for me at a reduced cost, we got the thing done.

As a result, I can always tell people that I recorded a CD!  

And by the way, no one associated with the project made a dime off it.  Except for the studio mixing time, and the cost of the CD's and cases, it was an effort of love.

This is pretty much the way it is now for all indie (independent) musicians.

Some of the independent musicians I know actually ask for the help of their friends and fans in raising funds to produced a CD.   I've given a few bucks here and there to some artists.

James Hill, who is my favorite ukulele player, is recording a CD and is asking for the help of his friends and fans.  You can learn more by going to http://jameshillmusic.com/PatronOfTheArts.   This is great info for others to consider if they have music projects in their hearts.

James is a great musician, singer and song-writer.  I am going to pre-purchase a copy of his CD, if for no other reason, than to help out a worthy cause (in my mind and heart.)

God's graces still amazes me . . . ><>

Is it me, or is music really supposed to be this fun?

I get a kick out of watching this video. 

My favorite ukulele player, James Hill (on the far left), and the Canote Brothers.

Too much fun!

God's grace still amazes me . . . ><>

I sure miss those guys . . .

I had the honor and privilege of singing with the "Hugworks Guys" last night . . . my dear friends Jim Newton and Paul G. Hill.

More info about their work at www.hugworks.org.

These two gentlemen, along with Larry Dykstra, led me by the hand through the process toward being certified as a therapeutic music entertainer.  I am and will be forever greatful.

My duties at the church, and my professional calendar, have kept me from singing with Jim and Paul in area hospitals this past year or so.   I am working on a senior adult music project with them, and hopefully can share more about that if and when it rolls out later this year.

I had a great time singing with them, and for the children and adults who gathered last night as part of our Bryan's Buddies Respite Night ministry.  An awesome bunch of people, one and all.

God's grace still amazes me . . . ><>

RIP - Phil Everly . . .

I believe that what I am about to suggest is true . . .  and that is . . .

Ask anyone my age or older . . . to list the top 5 music duo's in the history of music.

I both bet and believe that the Everly Brothers would have a place in everyone's list.

Brothers Don and Phil sang themselves into the lives and hearts of a lot of people.

Phil Everly, the younger of the two, has passed away.  I believe he was 77.

If you were in the audience at an Everly Brothers concert, or watched them on TV . . . you knew that Phil was the brother always on the left (stage right) providing the wonderful tenor harmony that blended so well with Don's singing of the melody.

Bye Bye Love . . .
Cathy's Clown . . .
Wake Up Little Suzy . . .
Bird Dog . . .
Walk Right Back . . .
Let It Be Me . . .
When Will I Be Loved . . .
All I Have To Do Is Dream . . .

Don and Phil sang these and so many more wonderful songs that rightfully receive as much credit for giving birth to rock-n-roll as did any other influence.

Maybe more so that all the rest combined.

They changed music.  In truth . . . the Beatles and all the other mega-groups and big name acts came "after" the Everly Brothers showed us that you could put energy into both country and rock-n-roll  . . . the outcome of which was something that touched the hearts of a lot of young people looking for a way to express themselves in the crazy world around them.

I am sad today . . . but fondly remembering Phil's music, and its affect on my life.

God's grace still amazes me . . . ><>

The place where some dreams are discovered and made ... My little music room at my house.  

A place to play, sing and listen to music . . . 

A place to ponder, think, listen and pray . . . 

A place to read and write . . .

And, the place where my cat has apparently decided he likes to sleep . . . 

But most importantly for me . . . My place to focus on important dreams . . . 

God's grace still amazes me . . . ><>

Happy New Year to all,

As was probably said by many who toasted in the New Year ...

"Welcome to 2014, with hopes this year is a damn sight better than last year."

I don't make resolutions anyone.  I'd rather spend the time I have left chasing dreams!!!!!!

Like finally starting and hosting a community folk / Americana music / coffee house venue . . . And one day singing more for Hugworks . . . And spending summers in New Mexico as a chaplain at Philmont Scout Ranch.

Not forgetting . . . Continuing to be the best husband and dad I can be . . . Being the best pastor I can be . . .  Drawing even more closer to my God and my neighbor.

Here's to the dreams you chase this year!

God's grace still amazes me . . . ><>