Good Morning America announced the line up for their summer concert series earlier today. Performances include Lady A on July 2nd, Jimmie Allen & Brad Paisley on July 5th, Dierks Bentley on Jul 23rd, and Old Dominion on July 30th. Click here for more detials and the full line up! 

INTRODUCING OUR @GMA SUMMER CONCERT SERIES LINEUP ☀️?

Find the full list with dates here: https://t.co/BtUxJgr90S pic.twitter.com/hY7kpLjumM

— Good Morning America (@GMA) May 17, 2021

There are many things to write about as far as Country Music Memories are concerned. Last week we looked at some incredible duets (CLICK TO READ) and we will do more of those in weeks ahead.  This week, we will look at Desert Island Country Albums.  The ones you would choose if you were marooned on a desert island to listen to, (ALA - Tom Hanks In Castaway).  I'll list some of mine, and I will pick one for each article from each decade starting with 1980, up until 2019, and a Wild Card album which can be from any decade. So each installment, there will be 5 to list. I'll do four parts, so 20 should about cover it. 

If your favorite doesn't make the list this week, chances are it will make future lists on this subject, so let's have some fun.

Desert Island Country Island Albums - Part 1

The 1980's  (1981)  Earl Thomas Conley - Fire And Smoke

This album in my view, is one of the most pivotal albums in Country's shift from an older set of country stars, sound and image. ETC was different, but that didn't turn anyone off, in fact, he opened minds, ears and eyes.  It was his first album on a major lable (RCA). This ten song collection is incredible, each song being very strong, and boasted 4 big hits plus 6 fantastic album cuts, and both were unusual for the time. It was forward sounding, with a slick band and different kind of production.  It was traditional, yet contemporary, with a new way of doing things. He also was a new breed as he wrote the entire album as he was an incredible songwriter.  I think this album sent a message that new country was coming as it was very different than what was on the radio at that time.  Fire And Smoke, Song Of The Year 1981  It was soon to be a new day.  (Earl Thomas Conley Article I Wrote)

Singles -  Silent Treatment #7  /  Fire And Smoke #1 /  Tell Me Why #10 / After The Love Slips Away #16

Tell My Why - Third Hit Off This Album  (Read YouTube Comments)

The 1990's  (1997)  Tim McGraw - Everywhere

This is just flat out great stuff.  This is one of the very best albums, of any format, anywhere over the past 25 years.  Everywhere is an upper deck grand slam home run from the first song to the last. It was, and is the crown jewel of his incredible career.  There were great albums from him before this, and of course great albums after, but this is beyond sensational.  Again, this ten song album threw out 6 hits, 4 of them #1's.  Two of the hits spending 6 weeks at number one. This is a once in a lifetime kind of deal where an album is so good, and universally loved by fans. What a gem for music in general. Any artist  - recording any kind of music would love to record an album this good, focused, and on point.

Singles  - It's Your Love #1 (6weeks)  /  Everywhere #1  /  Just To See You Smile #1 (6weeks) /  One Of These Days #2 /   Where The Green Grass Grows #1  / For A Little While #2

Just To See You Smile  - 6 Weeks Number One!  What A Smash!

2000 - 2009 (2002)   Kenny Chesney  - No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems

Kenny Chesney has a ton of great albums, but this from 2002, was the first that showcased the island vibe that he became synonymous with.  Chesney had been on the charts since 1995 with the song, Fall In Love, and had been a solid act and consistent hit maker.  But this album changed a lot of things. After this, he seemed to record with a lot more confidence and had a better level of success.  He found his footing and launched a new direction. This fantastic album has 5 big hits, including a #1 with The Good Stuff, which won song of the year, and deserved it.  This set the stage for the wildly successful, When The Sun Goes Down album two years later. But this album to me is the best mix of who Chesney was, and who he was becoming in the years ahead.

Singles - Young  #2  /  The Good Stuff #1  / A Lot Of Things Different #6  /  Big Star #2  / No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems #2

No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problems - Changed A Lot Of Things For Chesney

2010 - 2019 - (2016)  Maren Morris - Hero

When Maren Morris came to the WQMX Studios a few years ago and was on our morning show, there was no doubt she was loaded with talent. This album is really great, and even though the chart numbers aren't mind blowing, the sales numbers are and so is the enthusiasm for her as a person, and her music.  She burst on the scene and was different. Her songs have a real punch and a powerful underneathe. I love her bold and determined singing style and use of vocals in a whole new way. This album was on the charts a long time with 4 singles and a number one.  It introduced us to a new star that was to become exceedingly popular with her fans on and off the stage. This is a very well done album, and will be a fan favorite for years to come.  Awards, and accolades, she is a star.

Singles  -  My Church #5  /  80's Mercedes #11  /  I Could Use A Love Song #1  /  Rich #8 

80's Mercedes - Great Song, Very Different, With A Thunderous Beat

Wild Card  -  (1980)  Alabama - My Homes In Alabama

This album helped change everything.  It broke through, became a huge hit, and put Nashville on notice that there was a new Marshall in town with a new look and sound. Alabama and Earl Thomas Conley around the same time hit the radio and began to pivot us to a whole new country, but in fairness, it would take a while longer still.  It was new, different and it was from a country "band"  very unusual then. It gave them 4 hit singles, with the last two going to #1.  That was the start of an insane 17 straight number ones and 30 some say 40 overall.  When this album came out, there was no denying that it was new, fresh, young but still traditional.  It set the stage for the incredibly successful Feels So Right album which launched them into superstardom, but this is where it began. There's something about this album I really like, it's natural, unspoiled, and groundbreaking.  They were right on time when we needed a hero.

Singles  - I Wanna Come Over (released 1979) #33  (My favorite Alabama Song) /  My Home's In Alabama #17  /  Tennessee River #1  /  Why Lady Why #1 

Their First Number One!

CLICK HERE FOR THIS WEEKS = WYNN'S SONG OF THE WEEK!

I would like to share this with you, because what's happening with my mom right now will sound similar for many of you I feel. My mom is 93, is in very bad shape and the end is not very far off. Her memory has failed and now her body is too.  It has me thinking about the immediate future, but it also has me thinking about the past.

Yesterday, I tried to think about the last thing I did with both my mom and dad together before he died many years ago.  And I had a thought, and I was able to track it down.  And it made me happy to think of good times as opposed the difficult, beit temporary ones ahead as I have not lost my perspective.  My dad died in April of 1978, after a short battle with cancer. He told me he was ill in August of 1977, and it wasn't long after that things got pretty tough.  But Labor Day Weekend 1977, there was a very good day within it.  I was 15.

Me, my mom and dad together went to the old Municipal Stadium to see a doubleheader with the Tribe and the New York Yankees!  Just us three as my siblings lived out of town.  In those days the Indians were not very good at all, and the Yankees were great with tons of really good players.  They won the World Series later that fall.  I can't remember who's idea it was to go, but it was a good one.  And us three together doing things was very rare in those days.  Being honest, I can't remember why that was. It might be good I don't. 

But it was September 4, 1977. My dad bought us very nice upper box seats by home plate, that was rare too for us then.  We had pop and hot dogs and bought programs and kept score.  We watched and stayed for both games, and the Tribe WON both games! They swept the YANKEES in a doubleheader! The crowd was big for those days (28,184) and it was one of the best times I ever had at a game.  The crowd was crazy as we waved our "I Hate The Yankee Hankee"  (That was the giveaway that day). No one complained about being there for 8 hours. The weather was great, and the memory burned into my brain at that moment. I knew, at that second I would remember this day my whole life.  And I still do - like it was yesterday.

Yankee Hankee

My dad got very bad a couple months later, and passed in the spring.  My mom went on and lived alone in her house till this day, and has had a great life and led an interesting one as well.  She can't remember that day, these days, or any day, and that is a tough one.  But that's OK.  I do, and I am thinking more about that day these days than I have in decades.

As a kid I played lots of sports, and played them well.  I had a bunch of friends as a little kid, lived in a nice house in a good neighborhood.  Sleep outs, sleep overs, and parties, and all of those are incredible memories. But there is no doubt that September 4, 1977 - Labor Day weekend, was my very best day as a kid.

If I live to 100, or as long as my mom has so far, 93, I will never forget it.

We're almost to the time here in Northeast Ohio where we can start to plant our gardens. At this time though, it's probably just the planning stages, because well, Ohio weather. So click here for a list of 22 of the best (and easiest to grow) summer flowers according to House Beautiful to consider for your garden!

OK, the secret is out.  I love to eat, and I'm sure you do too.  And sometimes I run across something I have to try like,..NOW

That is this. Garlic Butter Steak Bites!  What is wrong with any of those four words?  NOTHING!  This is certainly on my radar and my menu this coming weekend!

Garlic Butter Steak Bites!   Recipe here!  You're Welcome!

Click Here Too, For Wynn's Song Of The Week!

Yes!  Please!

Duets are the rage right now, as I think we are playing about 10 of them on our current playlist on WQMX.  Duets have a long history with country.  We are not the only format that does them, but we do more of them than most.  (Read My - Country Duets Part 1).  I love this one.  With summer coming, this is right on time!

Jimmy Allen has the stuff to contend long term, and he picked a great partner to record this really slick song in Brad Paisley.  This is a terrific driving tune, and it also one of those songs that gets you excited to listen to it from the very second it begins.  I love when hit songs do that. They get right to it. (Blake's - Minimum Wage is another great example of how effective that can be).  Far too many songs sort of drag their feet before shifting into a higher gear, or even drive. Quick starters also sound really great on the radio, and I have always thought that can be essential to a songs appeal by getting your attention on the air in a few seconds.

This is a fantastic melding of a new artist and a veteran one.  Also in styles, as they absolutely play to each other's strengths here.  There are times that is not the case with duets, as there are instances it seems it's being done, just to be done.  But not here, this is focused and well thought out.  And the song is tidy, moves along and doesn't wear out its welcome. This is just a flat out good song in its written form and in its produced form. 

What A GREAT New Song!

It won't be long before this is the best song stations are playing and is a real favorite with fans. Just flat out great.

Grab a coffee and enjoy this song - a few times, because as I found out, once is not near enough.

About Half – Of us feel good about returning to a movie theater   (Cinemasafe)

NBC - WILL NOT air the Golden Globes next year (Story)

Box Office Results - Wrath Of Man / Demon Slayer / Mortal Combat / Godzilla Kong

New This Week – Spiral From The Book Of Saw / Those Who Wish Me Dead 

May 13 – The original Top Gun is being re-released to movie theaters this weekend  (Story)

Emily Blunt - She stars in the new Western drama The English for Amazon Studios (Story) 

Edward Norton - Has joined the cast for the Knives Out sequel  (Story) 

NBC - Has renewed Days of Our Lives for two additional years, taking it to a 58th season (Story) 

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

Wednesday Night is huge.  I know it is just the Browns Schedule being released.

But following a hell of a season, playoffs, hosting and winning the draft...  This is the next step.

With the schedule release tonight at 8pm. 

-We'll see where the bye week falls.

-When Pittsburgh and the rest of the AFC North show up...

-When to travel and when to call off work.

Overall the schedule leads to Rookie Camp later this week into the weekend.

Hopefully all leading to a Championship.  A lot of people are feeling it. 

See how Vegas is sweating over what possibilities lie ahead for the Brown and Orange.  Click Here to see betting trends.

Soon it will be time to go strawberry picking, of course then you have to make recipes with those strawberries and that is the fun (and delicious) part! Click here for 12 Strawberry Recipes from The Kitchn, you might just find something new to try! 

It's 2021 Akron Parks Week going on now til May 16th.  

The City of Akron, Akron Parks Collaborative, Keep Akron Beautiful and The Davey Tree Expert Company all come together for this wonderful week.  Akron Parks Week, is your chance to help beautify parks, neighborhoods and our city with volunteer opportunities, free community events. 

Click Here for the Schedules of Schneider and Diamond Crystal Park.  Which include family yoga, planting trees and park beautification. 

To find out more, Click Here!