This weeks article is different than most.  Next week, we'll get back to featuring a great artist. This week we will mention three, and what they did that really propelled Country at a pivotal time. There were three big songs, released by three great women over about an 18 month span or so that introduced country to millions of new people. They were big country hits, and crossed over and showed many non fans, that country was not some twangy, stereotypical form of music that wasn't worth a listen. 

There is no order here, just three songs from three amazing women and where they led us.

Dolly Parton - Here You Come Again

This came out in 1977, fed into 1978, and was a very big song that not only had a great run on the country and pop charts, but really accelerated Dolly into the brightest spotlight in the mainstream.  The album was the same name, and changed her career. Yes, this song is very pop sounding, but Dolly had a nice foothold within the format already as this song was wing-spreading for her and the format. In fact, she recorded a ton of albums before this one, in an era when albums came out way faster than today.  The followup song, Two Doors Down was a big hit too, and Dolly was soon known by everyone in America.  We loved Dolly, this album and this song, it changed everything for her.  A couple years later she was a movie star and a singing star. The album is legendary.

 
Crystal Gayle - Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue

Again, 1977 into 1978.  The size of this song is hard to explain properly. It was a worldwide hit, and it was one of the ten most played, and performed songs of the 20th century.  Grammy winner.  The title alone tells you it's country. This is a fantastic example of the perfect song reaching the perfect artist. This song was everywhere, and everyone knew it, and you still know this song.  It was a big country and pop hit, and what this song really did was subliminally show people that they liked traditional country.  Everything about this song is traditional, even though it is a bit bluesy, from the Floyd Cramer influenced piano style, (Played by the legendary Hargas "Pig" Robbins)  the gentle beat,  and Gayle's angelic vocal performance.  It's easy to listen to, its message is timeless, and it's one of the most important 2:32 in country music history.   She instantly became a star as a result of this gigantic song. BTW -  Her eyes were already blue as you can clearly see.

 

Barbara Mandrell  - If Lovin' You Is Wrong (I Don't Wanna Be Right)

1978 - This not only was a major hit song on both charts, it made people want to know who was singing it. This song is timeless and delivered by the perfect singer.  It was arranged poppy as this had been a hit in 1972 in other formats, but the story of the song is country. Mandrell became an instant star, and soon a pop culture icon. New fans and old really liked her, and this song propelled her to unimaginable heights.  She was not stereotypical "country" in her sound or image, and fans loved her and followed her to the country charts where she had a great run. Shortly thereafter she was a TV star, and a performing legend, where she and Dolly were among the first women to headline major concert tours.

 

Those three songs did us a whole lot of good in that era, as they bled into Urban Cowboy.  UC gave rise to many new pop country stars, men and women, and a movement that lasted with varying levels of success until the mid 1980's, when the Neo-traditionalists came to town and changed our direction again. But these three very important songs opened a closed door and equally closed minds. They were disarming, showing many that their stereotypical notions of who were to a degree were incorrect. And they also helped change our direction.  These songs really paved the way. 

Then in 1980, after the stage had been set, this happened  - Reba McEntire  -  Up To Heaven

When Up To Heaven broke through, it was the first hit song for a young singer named Reba McEntire, as she took the first step towards to becoming the dominant woman of the decade. She then would become as influential as any performer of her era.  Her popularity, though different today, is still a part of our pop culture, along with Dolly.  These four women inspired a whole new era of country singers and stars and helped make us mainstream.

 

Thanks for reading, and listening!

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Published in Scott Wynn

Today the Tribe opens thier home season after a weekend series at Detroit. And about 4:10 this afternoon the first pitch will be thrown to the Kansas City Royals batter, Whit Merrifield. I've had it with Whit Merrifield already!

We play the Royals 19 times during the season and we see a lot of the same players year after year. This guy, first of all is great!  I wish he played for us, but he doesn't  - but he kills us!  He's always up to bat!  How is it Whit Merrifield hits in every inning? Seems like he does. What is the algorithm he uses?  How it is Whit Merrifield is always up with the bases loaded, or when the game is on the line?  Or when there's two outs in the 9th and we need an out? Why is Whit Merrifield always hitting when the wind is blowing out, or when all of our great pitchers are out of the game?

We're up by 4 in the 9th, here comes Whit with 2 outs and two strikes and he hits a grand slam to tie the game!  We have a 1 run lead with two outs and we make an error to extend the inning. Who's always up next? Whit Merrifield! The guy drives me nuts! Then he makes the big defensive play that saves the game as we are making a comeback. How does he play every position?  Seems like he does.  Dude's everywhere!

In his first two games this season he is 5-9 with 4 runs scored, driven in 6, and has two home runs!  So he can play.  Through those games, he has driven in more runs than the Tribe has scored.

Look, I'm sure he's a very nice guy, probably comes from a good family, but he's like an itch that we are always scratching as Tribe fans.  The Tribe had the same problem with Eddie Rosario from the Twins, and now he plays for us - thank GOD!  So we should get Merrifield next!  And why does it seem we play the Royals 132 times a season? Whit Merrifield!

Watch the Tribe and Royals games this year and tell me I'm wrong, the guy is always there, always a problem. But here we are a number of hours away from the first pitch of the home schedule and I've already had it with Whit Merrifield!

Go Whit.....er I mean  GO Tribe!  See??

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Published in Scott Wynn
Wednesday, 07 April 2021 01:20

WYNN - Tribe - What We Have Left!

The new baseball season is here, and right up front I love the Tribe and baseball. There's already whining about this season a few games in. I get some of it, some I don't.

We can't hit so far and that stinks. There's nothing wrong with complaining about millionaires that can't hit at the professional level. It's our right as fans.  But whining about the owners is a total waste of time and energy. It's howling at the moon.  Yes, they have their problems about that there is no doubt.  But they've hired and maintained the best manager in MLB, Terry Francona, to run the Tribe and he has done the job. From 2013-2019 NO team in the American League has more wins than the Tribe. They've been to the playoffs a ton of times and the World Series in 2016. They've had three Cy Young Winners in that same window, and 5 since 2007. ANY small market team would love that.

What else can they do?  Only one team wins the World Series each year, and it's a very hard thing to do. How hard is it? The spend hog Yankees have not won it since 2009, and the way over the top spend hogs, the Dodgers won it last year after a 32 year drought and billions upon billions of dollars. And our very hard reality is, the owners here didn't give up a 3 games to 1 lead in our World Series in 2016, and they didn't give up a 2 games to none lead on the Yankees the next playoff season.  Harder truth too? They were right there to win BOTH titles those two seasons, and should have -  and didn't.  

Lots of whining about not paying Frankie Lindor this year. I wouldn't have given him 341 million and tied myself up for 10 years either.  Interesting to think of it this way, if you have house worth $100,000, would you spend $30,000 on a couch and pay for it for a decade? No? Even if it's a good couch you really liked and was really comfy?  That is the exact math for the Tribe with Lindor. This is a big MLB problem. The Tribe is like about 25 other teams in the league, they will always be outspent by the big boys. MLB should fix this, but they won't.

IMG 20210407 053342070

BTW - If they would fix this issue and make it a relatively even playing field, it would restore baseball's extreme popularity. Fans in many markets are fed up with being farm teams for the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers..blah blah... The NFL has understood this, and the salary cap (which is high) makes it possible for all markets to compete.

So what's left? What about the Tribe 2021? They have they best young pitching staff in the entire league. They have games BEST manager, and probably the best front office in baseball who has been making great baseball player decisions for years with money always an issue.  A beautiful newly renovated ball park with affordable ticket prices and a fan base ready to erupt. Not a bad scenario.

When you're built on pitching, the 162 game schedule is to your favor, as it always rises to the top. The Tribe will pitch well, they will score enough over time to win their fair share of games. And in the end will contend for a playoff spot.  Let's just play some games (more than four) here and see how things go.

And remember, those other 25 teams mentioned?  They would love to have left -  what we have left.

GO TRIBE~!!

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Published in Scott Wynn
Tuesday, 06 April 2021 01:48

WYNN - SONG OF THE WEEK - My Masterpiece

The song of the week belongs to one of our most popular stars, the incredible Darius Rucker.  I loved his move years ago to country, and he is in the middle of a really nice run. Beers And Sunshine recently was a big #1 song, and this one will be a big song too. 

Darius is one of the best vocalists anywhere in music, and it always seems so easy for him with his natural style.  He was absolutely born to sing.  When he went country years ago, I think many went like, "Wait,...what?"  But one of the best decisions I have ever seen in this format was the decision of his first single, Don't Think I Don't Think About It.  Before you hear a single note, you know it's country.  It's an incredible country song that launched his wonderful string of big hits. In my humble opinion, I feel it's one of the best songs in country in the last 25 years.

 What An Amazing Debut Country Single

 

My Masterpiece is another fantastic song of love and tribute that will resonate with many.  I know it does with me.  It's not really a ballad, it's just a very nice song. We are so lucky to have Darius Rucker in our format, what a star!

Grab a coffee and take a listen....The Song Of The Week

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Published in Scott Wynn
Thursday, 01 April 2021 22:57

Opening Day

Baseball is back!  The Tribe did not fair very well.  

I did see that Brett Young in a recent interview made up an imaginary line-up of country stars.

I figured I would give it a try.

CF     Brian Kelly   
2nd   Carrie Underwood  
1B     Garth Brooks
RF     Ashley McBryde
SS     Scotty McCreery
3rd    Kelsea Ballerini
LF      Tim McGraw
C        Chris Lane
P        Brett Young, Shania and Sam Hunt
DH     Brad Paisley- Sara Evans
Bench -  Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Eric Church.
Coaches - Darius Rucker and Trisha Yearwood
 
If you want to try a line-up.  I'd love to see it... This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in Ben McKee
Wednesday, 31 March 2021 19:00

Create Your Own Easter Charcuterie Board

We know that charcuterie boards can be customized for any occasion and these ideas for Easter charcuterie boards look amazing. Yes, you guessed it, these boards have all of your favorite candies from jelly beans, to peeps, to chocolate bunnies! You can even include some of the traditional foods usually found on a charcuterie board. Click here for ideas from Taste of Home! 

Published in Cherise
Friday, 02 April 2021 01:42

WYNN - Wynn At The Movies And Info!

#1 -  Nobody - $6.7 Million  Did very well, way above expectations. 

 

About Half - Of us feel comfortable going to a movie theater  (Story)  

 

Cinemasafe  - Nice Website



Regal Cinemas - Will reopen this weekend to show Godzilla VS. King Kong  this weekend and Mortal Kombat later this month   (Story)

 

Godzilla / Kong – Is out and Mortal Combat is out April 16



New This Week – Drive Ins. Many open this weekend  (Good List)



Sylvester Stallone - Is writing a ''Rocky'' prequel  (Story)

 

This Weekend – Check out my Country Music Memory Lane (link)

 

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Published in Scott Wynn
Friday, 02 April 2021 01:35

WYNN - Weekends With Wynn!

The WEEKEND is here!  Live well, live right, and do it without breaking the bank!

Expected Weather 

Saturday  - Sun 61

Sunday - Sun 68

Music

Read My Country Music Memory Lane This Week  - (Janie Fricke)

Read My Song Of The Week -  (Just About Over You)

Wynn's Weekend Breakfast! 

How about a delicious breakfast -

Food And Drink

Wynn's Wine Of The Weekend - Intermingle  (Red)

Wynn's Cheese Of The Weekend  - Honey Goat Cheese with Jerky!

Wynn's Weekend Menu  - This Looks Good!  (Recipe)

Treat Yourself This Weekend Or Next  - Tavern At Twin Lakes (link)

Saturday is - Chocolate Mousse Day

Sunday is   -  Cordon Bleu Day

Viewing

In Theaters  -  Theater listings  (listings)

Drive- Ins  -  Most Drive Ins are opening this weekend

HBO Max  - Godzilla VS. Kong

Weekend Golf? 

Courses Improving Quickly -  Valleaire in Hinckley  (Link)

This Weekend -  Bunker Hill In Medina (Link)

PGA Tour  -  TPC San Antonio  (Golf Channel and Local TV)

Sports

NCAA - This Weekend Final Four (Local TV CBS FAmily)

NASCAR - OFF No RAce (Easter)

The Tribe  - Regular Season in Detroit (Local TV)

The Blue Jackets - Saturday and Sunday In Miami (Local TV)

Cavs Play - Saturday In Miami  (Local TV)

Have a GREAT weekend!

Follow Me On Instagram / Twitter / @Scott Wynn Radio

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Published in Scott Wynn
Monday, 29 March 2021 20:45

The Season is Coming!

How many of you have a pair of shoes/boots for yard work?  

These ancient relics could probably walk by themselves.  They are relegated to the garage or tucked under the stairs.

They are usually green and are falling apart. 

Mine had no laces, they fit my feet perfectly from 11+ years of just yard usage and I recently had to throw them away. 

Think how many miles you have put on that pair of boots/shoes.  How many steps counted?   That would be the true adult-ometer. 

Any and every family celebration, (Graduations, Parties, Receptions, Gender Reveals, Birthdays, Cookouts) many of life's milestone moments to a regular old weekend started with those shoes and a walk over that yard...  The mowing season is coming... when do you start?

Published in Ben McKee
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