A Star Spangled Memorial

I had an incredible experience. One that will stay with me long into the future.

I went to Ft. McHenry, the inspiration for the national anthem. Francis Scott Key, a Georgetown attorney, was seeking release of his friend, Dr. William Beanes from the British. Though Scott and John Stuart Skinner were able to secure the release of Beanes, the British thought they knew too much about plans to attack Baltimore. The British kept them on the on board one of their ships until the bombardment was complete.

From the ship deck, Key saw the storm flag flying above Ft. McHenry and could see the bombs bursting in the night sky above the fort. In the morning as the smoke cleared and the bombing ended, Key saw the larger flag flyer above the fort. All of this served as his inspiration. The date was September 3, 1814.


When visiting Ft. McHenry today, they have a wonderful video that provides the backdrop on the fort and its history. As the story reaches the writing of Key's poem, the curtains covering the window open to reveal the fort and the flag flying above.

It was amazing!

I knew the story of Key and the words. In fact, I tell people about the connection with his son and General Sickles from the Civil War (I'll leave this for another blog post.) I have sang the national anthem hundreds of times, for small groups and large. Now, I will always have the picture of the flag at the fort in my head when I sing the national anthem.

Happy Memorial Day!

Looking forward to summer fun!

Time flies too quickly. It may have been all of the traveling the band and I have done. We played in Manhattan and Indianapolis to name a few!

Now, summer is almost upon us. And, this summer is shaping up to be a great one! Check out the highlight of upcoming events!

June 13th - Delphos, Ohio Community Concert at Stadium Park. Come watch the band at this great location.



June 25th - Digger and Finch. The Bill Foley Trio will be performing from 8-11PM.



Don't forget, Bill Foley performs solo through the week at such places as Carsonie's Italian Restaurant (Wednesdays) and Signature's in Gahanna (Thursdays). To see the full calendar or additional summer shows, visit the calendar at http://www.omgilts.com/.

Tony Burgers and Old Music in Alpena

The Trio and I are in Alpena, MI tonight for the Concert 4 a Cause. It is a community concert to raise money for a charity while having fun. We are so blessed to be invited to perform for their concert for Friends Together. It is a charity to provide support for people with cancer.

The concert is being held at the Thunder Bay Recreation Center. Can we say BEAUTIFUL? This is an amazing facility!

We are just getting starting, but are having the most fun. The people here are so nice. We even met friends of couple I know from Delaware. Rita and Edward made the trip out to see us tonight. What a sweet couple! Apparantly, Betty wrote them a letter to tell them to come see us.

Okay, you are probably wondering about the Tony Burgers?? Well, Alpena had a gentleman who owned a burger place in the 40s. His burgers were all the rage. Now, the recreation center continues the tradition by cooking Tony Burgers during their events. I would say it is worth the drive to Alpena just for the burgers. But, you know me...I love good food.

Thanks Alpena for your hospitality and fun. Thanks to Darlene who is just fabulous!

When a Cloud Covers a Celebration

Recently, I was scheduled to perform with my band at a wedding reception. Unfortunately, a life event intervened just the day before with the passing of a close relative of the couple.

Sometimes, these things happen. If we could control them, we would keep our dearest family members with us forever! We would never need to consider how to address the passing at a celebration.

However, we don’t have that control.

I encountered a similar situation when my mom passed. It was just days before a wedding reception I was contracted to play. I knew I couldn’t let the couple know what had happened. I wanted them to fully enjoy their special day. Much later, they did learn of my personal tragedy. I was grateful they didn’t have any idea on their day.

What’s worse, I think, is when the bride and groom have a family death. They have planned for a year or more for this day. After they make the decision whether to continue with their planned nuptials, they do have several choices on how to mark the passing (or not).

At a recent wedding reception where my band played, this exact situation occurred. I thought the couple showed such grace. The “spouse” acknowledged the family member on behalf of the couple. The couple was also sympathetic that guests weren’t quite ready to jump up and dance.

It was amazing, though. After awhile, everyone was ready to let loose. It was still a great celebration.

While we never want this type of thing to happen, we all do the best we can. Acknowledge what you are able to do and I wish you all the strength and grace you need for your situation!

A Mountain of Love in WV

The band and I had the privilege of performing at Cheryl and Ted’s wedding reception in Hinton, WV. I won’t lie…the drive was stunning, but that last hill was a challenge. The event was on top of a mountain. When we left the highway and then the paved road AND then hit the gravel road on a steep incline, I wasn’t sure Large Marge was going to make it. I thought we might have to give her a push.

For those that don’t know, Hinton is along the New River. During the drive, I couldn’t help but be distracted by the natural beauty. It is just another example of how I am blessed in life to be able to play music and travel.

The night was just perfect. Everyone was super nice and we had a great time. Of course, nature provided the absolute perfect backdrop for the evening. It was capped by a stunning sunset.

Congratulations Cheryl and Ted! Thanks for allowing us to join you.

To see more photos, visit the Flickr set.

Ode to the Ohio State Fair of 2009

Well, another fair has come and gone. Just last week, I performed my last show at the Ohio State Fair for 2009. "In the old days"...when the fair was longer, today would have been the final day. How I miss that.

It will be another year before I'll have fresh roasted corn. I know I can roast my own corn, but it isn't the same. It will be another year before steak on a stick, cheese on a stick, pork chop on a stick, deep fried oreos on a stick, Snickers on a stick, deep fried Twinkie on a stick, cotton candy on a stick, corn dog on a stick and all of the other tasty treats from the on-a-stick food group.

Of course, I do have a few other favorites. I love the mini donuts, the elephant ears and my new favorite the iced cinnamon pecan roll. Obviously, these are just my top picks from the sugar food group!

The fair always brings back such fond memories for me. My mom really did wake us up early to be at the fair at 6AM. My mom is no longer with us, but the fair always brings back sweet memories of her. Or, maybe it is just all of the sugar that I eat. Either way, it leaves me feeling close to her memory.

As today marks the first week since the fair closed, a small tear comes to my eye.

Alas, we will all have to wait another year (minus one week) until the fair is here again! Hopefully, ODNR will call next week to schedule me for next year. I will be giddy with excitement as I count down the days. (Jason...is that you calling?)

Happy Belated Birthday, Dion!

July 18th was the 70th birthday for Dion (as in Dion and the Belmonts.) About 15 years ago, I had the priviledge to open for him. He is an amazing, and nice, man! I hope he had a great birthday!

-Bill

Ohio State Fair

The Ohio State Fair brings back such great memories. Bill's mom would take him each summer. She always wanted to arrive as soon as it opened and didn't want to leave until it was dark. Sometimes, Bill had a difficult time keeping up with her! Bill misses her and those long days.

It may have been awhile since you last attended the state fair. However, this summer may just be the year to get reacquainted. Consider attending the fair, which runs July 29 to August 9.

The Best Kept Secret

Bill has been performing at the fair since 1982. While he has played at the Main Stage, he loves the stage in the Natural Resources area. Imagine a cool, quiet park in the middle of the fair grounds...you have the Natural Resources area. It is probably one of the best kept secrets at the fair. It's a great place to cool off and have a quiet moment! And, if you come on the right day, you can catch one of Bill's performances! Make sure you grab a sweet tea, roasted corn or anything on a stick and bring it over to the Natural Resources area on the fairgrounds. If you need suggestions on the best vendors, Bill can be your guide to on-a-stick eating! These are his favorites!

Bill's Schedule at the Ohio State Fair

July 29 at 1:30PM

July 30 at 1:00PM

August 3rd at 1:30PM

August 5th at 1:00PM

August 6th at 1:00PM

August 9 at 1:30PM

Directions: Has it been awhile since you went to the Ohio State Fair? Need directions? Check out the directions on the fair website and related parking map.

Fireworks and Miracles!

I have finally had a chance to upload the photo to go with this post!

Those in Columbus probably know that The Miracles, of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, were in town for two shows on the 4th of July. They performed at the newly renovated Lincoln Theatre. Unfortunately, I was already booked and wasn't able to attend. However, I am positive they had great shows.

For me, it was cool to look out and find them in the audience during Red, White and Boom. What can I say? It was such a humbling experience to be performing with my band while they watched. Of course, their chair dancing was just pure pleasure!

Of course, it was even cooler to have a chance to meet them after the show. They were incredibly nice. They even obliged me with a photo.

With out further delay...



*They were impeccably dressed!

Behind the Scenes on a Saturday...

This is a typical Saturday night for me. It really isn't glamorous, but I do love it!

Sometimes People Just Touch your Heart

I'm not sure who this is, but she touched me. What rhythm! What ability! She was awesome and she brought a smile to my face.








She came up and talked to me later and she was as sweet as could be.

Encounters

Saturday night at Byxbee's was great. I saw a lot of folks I haven't seen in awhile - people from the old Funny Bone, etc. It is always nice to see old friends!

However, just when I least expect it, something weird always happens. I'm never sure when people are trying to pull my leg or if it is just a strange situation.

So, here is the story. I had just finished my first set, when a man walked up to me. He asked me if I knew who Johnny Paycheck was. Of course, I do. First, I love music history. I may not remember trash day, but I can remember anything strange or small about music (This actually also applies to the Civil War as well.) In addition, my parents loved country music. I can remember my mom and dad singing along to it on the radio.

Back to my story...I tell the guy some of the songs by Johnny Paycheck. This guy begins to tell me about the story that landed Johnny Paycheck in jail.

In case you aren't familiar, Johnny Paycheck is from Greenfield, Ohio. My band played there a few years ago. It is a sleepy little town in southern Ohio. (Very nice people!)

In the mid-1980s, Johnny Paycheck was back home visiting family. A bar fight broke out and in the end, Johnny Paycheck fired a gun. He grazed a guy in the head. A few years later, Johnny was convicted and sent to the Chillicothe Correctional Facility. He served two years.

Flash back to Saturday night. This guy standing at the bar tells me he is the guy Johnny Paycheck shot.

True? Who knows. But, it was very entertaining!

"Everyday" in a Macy's ad

I can't believe it! I was watching TV and just saw the new Macy's ad. If you listen to the song, it is "Everyday" by Buddy Holly. The song plays in the background, but sung by a woman. It is just one more example of how his music lives on.

Every so often, someone will ask me "Why do you play such old music?" Well, I think the answer is obvious. Whether it is in a commercial or a movie or sampled by a hip-hop/rap artist, these songs are timeless. Eventually, there will be no more "oldies."

I get a little laugh every time someone asks for the new song by so and so. It is usually...a remake of an old song.

I hope you get as much enjoyment out of these songs as I do playing them. Just remember, that new song, may not be so new!

Spring is Almost Here

Spring is almost here! In honor of the new season, I have an added twist to this week's blog...video!






And, just so you don't miss out on all of the exciting things I get to see...





Have a great week!

Rise of Rock and Roll – Rock History in Memphis

As I’ve mentioned, I have the privilege of a job that allows me to travel. This weekend, I was in Memphis, Tennessee for two shows at the Avenue A. I love opportunities to travel for shows like this…it is the best way to see America. This trip was no different.

Saturday, I found myself at Sun Studios. While I’ve been to the store in Nashville, visiting the Memphis site was a dream come true. I stood in the room where Elvis first recorded. Where Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and countless others came to record and be discovered.

There is so much more to the story. Marion Keisker was the first woman in Memphis to have a radio show. Her story is incredible, but she is often referred to as Sam Phillips secretary. She is just as important to the story, even if she is often overlooked.

Speaking of Sam Phillips…He is a complicated man. However, he knew what he wanted…a sound that was different than what everyone else was recording. While the music was already there, he enabled it to be shared with many more. It spread from a regional sound to the national and international marketplace.

Even more incredible was this site could have been lost to history. Sam outgrew the facility and moved to another location in 1959. The building stood empty, except as a storage site, for 25 years. It was used, at one time, as radiator storage. Thankfully, Memphis came to its senses and saved this building. Now, you too can visit the room where so much history was made. The same sound tiles are still there. If you listen closely, you might hear their story, as well. If only they could really talk!

Memphis has a lot to offer. You can have a really good time and probably drink as much as you can hold. However, there is more to the story. If you have the chance to travel to this city, don’t miss out on learning about this part of early rock and roll history!




























Bill at Sun Studios in front of the Million Dollar
Quartet photo. This photo was probably not
an accident, but encouraged by Sam Phillips.

Love Songs, Nothing But Love Songs

Happy Valentine's Day!

There are so many "old" songs that are just great love songs. This is probably why all of the Valentine's Day cards with sound are using old songs. I was amazed when I went card shopping. I even found myself saying, "Oh My God, I Love That Song!"

Some many come to mind today. I think one of the best is "At Last" by Etta James. Of course, "Crazy" by Patsy Cline is just amazing.

Here are some of my other favorites:
"Something in the Way She Moves" by James Taylor
"When You Say Nothing At All" by Allison Krause
"We Belong Together" by Ritchie Valens
"Best of My Love" by the Eagles
"Follow Me" by John Denver
"If I Were A Carpenter" by Bobby Darin

Well, I have a few errands to run and then I'm off to play a private country club with my band tonight...where we can play our favorite love songs, nothing but love songs!

February 3rd – The Day the Music Died (Began)

February 3 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Buddy Holly (age 22), JP Richardson (the Big Bopper, age 29) and Ritchie Valens (age 17) in a plane crash in Iowa. This date has been immortalized in the song “American Pie” by Don McLean.

Buddy Holly was an early rock pioneer. His style and technique were new and innovative. I often wonder what he would have created next.

While his death was certainly a tragedy, his legacy certainly lives on. Many of the rock and roll elite are quick to list Buddy Holly as a major influence on their careers and music.

A great example is the Beatles. Their four piece instrumentation is the same as Buddy Holly and the Crickets. The acoustic guitar is up front on early songs. If you listen to these early songs, they almost sound like they could be Buddy Holly songs.

Of course, it doesn’t end there. While I could probably list a limitless amount of famous artists influenced by Buddy, the truth is, he influenced me as well.

I can remember saving my money to buy Buddy Holly records. I would sit for hours in my room listening to them – over and over again. His voice, his phasing and his guitar playing fascinated me and influenced me to learn to play the guitar.

On of the saddest day of my life, my tenth birthday, my dad asked me what I wanted. I was so excited, because I knew exactly what would be the greatest gift – to go see Buddy Holly in concert. I’ll never forget the look on my dad’s face after I revealed my greatest wish. As a parent now, I can completely understand the thoughts in my dad’s head – “how do I tell him?”

My dad gently told me that we couldn’t go see Buddy Holly…because he had died a long time ago. I was shocked and quickly told him it couldn’t be true. I was just listening to him on the radio!

My parents and I never forgot that birthday – not because of the gift I received, but because of the gift I wanted.

Finding out the truth made me even more interested in this guy and his life. I started studying him, learning everything I could.

So, in small and big ways, Buddy Holly came to influence me and my love of music. While his legacy lives on through the Beatles and many other artists, his legacy lives on from his influence on me. His ending is sad, but he made such a difference in the lives of many after his death. Thus, his death did mark the day the music died and the day it began.