Box Office Results - The Bad Guys  -  (24 million)

New This Week - Memory - (Liam Neeson)

Fast X - Title of the new Fast and Furious flick! (Story)

Robert Pattinson - Will return in a sequel to The Batman.  (Story)

Sony - Says a fifth Ghostbusters movie is in the works. The last, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, earned $129.3  ALSO another Venom  (Story)

Film Maker - J.J. Abrams will makle a live-action Hot Wheels film  (Story)

Wicked - Will be broken up into two parts. The first will open December 2024, with the second coming out a year later.   (Story)

Mark The Date - The Barbie movie, starring Margot Robbie, will open July  2023.   (Story)

NetFlix – In the news recently, will now offer a cheaper version with ads - 2 million expected to cancel this quarter   (Story)

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

Tara asked if I could write a Memory Lane piece on Clay Walker.  What a tremendous run he had in the 1990's  - and beyond during one of the best decades ever for country.  He still records today, and that's great to see.  I played all of his songs proudly on great radio stations including here at WQMX.

BTW - He will be at Neon Nights - Clay's Park  - August 13, 7:30 PM

Clay Walker debuted in 1993 with about as perfect of a debut project as you can have.  The self titled album had three number ones, looked really great, and just flat out had some great music on it. He was a new hat act and was immediately loved by country fans that seemed to be embracing a new giant star every month or so then. I was so incredibly impressed by his debut album, it was no surprise to me he skyrocketed to stardom and stayed there for a good while.  The totality of his debut project is enviable.

His Very First Hit Song #1 - Great Start

There was little doubt he was cut from the George Strait cloth of country in his approach. He was the third big star in as many years from the Beaumont, Texas area as Mark Chesnutt, and Tracy Byrd were also from that same general place at about the same time. He sold a ton of albums in the 1990's and had a bunch of number ones to his credit. He is another artist that I can't help but wonder what may have happened if he was in another era by a few years.  The 1990's were so competitive with so many gigantic stars, did some of these others get lost over time to a degree?  He may have slightly, but his run was very extremely impressive.

The First Album Magic Continued  - Big Fan Favorite

Walker had a slick sound that I felt was right on time for the era. He chose killer songs, had a great look, and when his first album was released, it looked  - and he sounded  - like he had been doing this for years. For many, he was their very favorite singer of the era, and it's easy to see why.  He became a legend with many very quickly. That first project was filled with extreme confidence and raw talent.  His was an interesting story being from the same town as Byrd and Chesnutt, and the giant, George Jones, but he was his own guy. He never sounded like anyone else, and that was his real strength along with his palpable and infectious energy.  

This Is An Incredible Song #1 - I Feel His Best Song Ever!  -  First Album Still

Unlike Chesnutt and Byrd, Walker's career was shoved into high gear almost from the start.  After that amazing first album, he followed it up with the album, If I Could Make A Living, that also did quite well with a couple more big songs going number one.  I thought this album was very important for him.  For many, the first album is the culmination of a lifetime of work rolled into a long thought about dream package.  Enthusiasm and adrenaline from the artist and musicians is high, same for managers, and record execs.  I will never say a first album is easy, because it's certainly not. But many times the second album is the one that decides if you stick around or not, and Clay's was great and he did.

Another Great Song - Another Fan Favorite

Hypnotize The Moon, his next album was great as well, and the song is incredible too.  It seemed he was really on his way.  Then Walker was diagnosed with MS about 1996.  He began treating it successfully, and his career continued on. He had strong chart success through the rest of the 1990's and even into the 2000's, although the well charting hits were fewer.  Chain Of Love in 2000, Fall (Great song) in 2007, A Few Questions, and She Won't Be Lonely Long all did well.  He even released a song last year, Need A Bar Sometimes which was a song I loved, as it was great to hear him back on the radio, as he still sounds great.

Great Song - Went #1 - He Was On A Roll

Clay Walker is more proof positive that no matter who you are, no one is promised a 20 year successful chart run.  It does happen, but it is more rare than fact.  Clay Walker had solid music, fans, a great look and the world by the tail. But trends change, society changes, country changes and listeners do too. It doesn't make it easy or fair, it just makes it so.  Walker was in the right place at the right time and had huge success, and we were better for it. In fact, I always say the 1990's were as great as they were because of stars like Walker. We had so many HUGE stars then, as does every era, but the 1990's was way more. 

Later Walker  - Loved This One

The stars like Walker and dozens more were never better than they were in the 1990's. Their incredible music made it possible for us in country radio to always have great songs on the air.  So much so, the country station I was doing mornings on in Lakeland, Florida in the 1990's, (WPCV) was the fifth highest rated radio station in America -  of any kind -  for a good while. The star list was very deep then, with acts that people really liked and supported in every way.  Walker's music was tight, concise, fun, positive, and made you glad you were listening to country music.  It was a great example for others to follow  - and they did.  That was a real trademark of Walker and the 90's. I mean listen to these songs here and feel their positive energy.  In fact, some more fun and positivity today would be more than welcome.  Sometimes we take ourselves way too seriously in country.

2021 Clay Walker  - I Liked This Song!

We owe these stars, as they were the ones that separated us from other formats and other eras.  Clay Walker helped lead that charge and that is greatness in itself.  History owes it to be good to Clay Walker, his popularity and contribution should not be underestimated. 

  This summer for ten weeks we would love you to join us in the WQMX bowling league. It's going to be a GREAT time.  It's a great deal too, and there will be prizes including 50/50's and Neon Nights Tickets for you to win weekly! 

It's Wednesdays at the incredible Charger Lanes in Norton. Good people and the have GREAT food there. You're $10 included 2 games and shoes.  I'll be there as your host of the majority of them, and I can't wait!  I have new shoes, bag and ball, so I'm good to go!

We hope to see you there, we are going to have a terrific summer!

See you there - Sign up buy clicking below!

Sign Up Here For The WQMX Bowling League!

  I love the movies.  I love many kinds of movies too.  I'm not as wild about Fantasy, and Superheroes can get old with me, but that's the trend this decade - and probably next. 

I have to admit, I do like a good Rom-Com.  They have certainly changed over the years. They don't make the really sweet ones as much right now, as many have become sort of "action rom-coms."   That's fine, many of those are pretty fun too. Hallmark is not really in the true Rom-Com biz, as there is far more "Rom" and not so much "Com" in them, but for many they make you feel good.

If I had to rank my top five?

1 - Sleepless In Seattle

2-  Notting Hill

3-  When Harry Met Sally

4 - Four Weddings And A Funeral

5 - While You Were Sleeping  / Love Actually   (Tie)

Here's a fun article too that ranks the Top 76!  Check it out and see how your favorite comes in!

(And I do like me a good Hallmark flick - at Christmas Time)

Top Rom Coms EVER!

  Texting is a huge part of all of our lives now. In fact it is so large, try to imagine your life without it. 

I'm not so sure we need this article. But there are those out there that love telling us what to do, and it does make for some fun fodder.  You can see how your texting game matches up!

Are you texting properly?  Find out here  -  as a bunch of Egg Heads have come up with some new texting rules for 2022.

New Texting Etiquette

So I ran across this article over the weekend, and it caught my eye.  It explores the notion that are three meals a day necessary in today's world.  We all grew up being taught that this is the way to go.  You can make up your own mind, but it you're asking me, I'm leaning towards double that! 

I mean, I do like to eat as you do I'm sure. But our lives have changed since we were kids, and of course out lives have changed immensely over the past couple of years.

Interesting read here!

Should We Be Eating Three Meals A Day?

I've been writing the Country Music Memory Lane articles here for the last 2 years here.  Recently, I started the Mega-Star Series that features the real giants of Country Music over the past 40 years. The ones whose impact was very large ih addition to simply the music.

I have 5 so far, and more will be added of course.  They are interspersed with the rest of them, but they are labeled as The Mega-Star Series.

In case you've missed them, here are the first 5.  If your favorite is not done yet, they will be. 

Alabama

Vince Gill

Shania Twain

Hank Williams Jr.

George Strait

And THANK YOU for reading!

Box Office Results - Secrets of the Dumbledore - (43 million)

New This Week - The Bad Guys (Animated) / The Northman (Ethan Hawke and Nicole Kidman) / Massive Talent (Nicolas Cage comedy)

The Batman - It's now streaming on HBO Max and available for purchase or rent on YouTube, Vudu, or Apple TV.  (Story)

NetFlix – Will now offer a cheaper version with ads - 2 million expected to cancel this quarter (Story) 

Thor - The official teaser is out from the new Marvel film.

Jason Momoa - Will star in a live-action Minecraft movie. (Story) 

Candace Cameron Bure - Has signed a mega deal with GAC Media  (Story) 

Jennifer Garner - Turned 50 on Easter, got a surprise from her childhood idol - Donnie Osmond who serenaded her at a restaurant.  (Story) 

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck - Spent Easter weekend shopping for a new home in Los Angeles (Story) 

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

We celebrated The Beautiful Windy's birthday last weekend and we went to a place we had never been before, Alexander Pierce in Akron's East End.  Fantastic!

Windy's Birthday Celebration!

Sometimes it's not easy to find new places that you've never been before.  We are both adventurous in that regard and we both like good food. This was a great choice.  Wonderful service, outstanding atmosphere, and the food was nothing short of amazing.

Her Dish - Delish!!

Everything about this meal was incredible. A nice wine selection, the food choices were plentiful and there were specials as well.  We had a very cozy booth that made celebrating Windy's birthday extra special. 

My Dish - Crushed IT!!

Plus the Creme Brulee - OMG!  Terrific!

If you are planning a very special night out like we were, this place is a perfect choice  - highly recommend!

Windy was very happy and that is the best gift of all -  GREAT birthday dinner!

Alexander Pierce Website

The Mega Star Series has to feature George Strait.  He is one of the defining artists in the format's history.  He was also the catalyst for real change in country.  I started working in country radio  at WOBL the same exact time Strait hit the air, and I am proud to say I played every one of his 60 plus number one hits on great radio stations all across the country.

The stage was waiting for Strait in 1981.  He recorded an album or two in the mid 1970's with zero luck. The reining stars of 1981 were mostly long-time established stars, some as far back as the late 1950's.  Conway Twitty, Ronnie Milsap, George Jones, Waylon, Willie, Loretta, Dolly, Kenny Rogers, Tammy Wynette and others.  There were also those made more famous by Urban Cowboy like, Don Williams, Mickey Gilley, Johnny Lee, Ed Bruce, Eddie Rabbitt, to name a few. There were some newer acts too, Lee Greenwood, Leon Everette, Razzy Bailey, TG Shepard, Sylvia, Janie Fricke and others. 

All of them recorded good music and I played them all for years.  But I'm not sure Nashville knew what fans were really looking for then. We were trying to be a lot of things to a lot of people and that seldom works well in any part of life. What we needed was a clear direction.  Alabama burst on the scene and they were gaining momentum so fast it was staggering.  They were young, and looked like the listeners we didn't have then and wanted. That in itself was a step forward.  Hank Williams Jr., was turning the corner for superstardom, John Anderson was a new traditional favorite, Reba too, and Earl Thomas Conley was fresh and new.  Then, there was George Strait.  

Strait was different, he was young, handsome, wore jeans, boots, a big belt buckle, a hat and was pure country. Unlike Alabama, he was not a crossover artist. His name even sounded country. He became the prototype for the next 20 plus years for others.  His unassuming personality was endearing, his music was honest, and in a very short while, was the talk of the format.  Strait is the only person to have a top 10 hit every year for over 30 years. He sold 100 million albums and won over 60 awards, with more than 60 number one songs, with 30 years of sold out shows. Simply incredible. But how did that happen?  How was it that HE was able to have the longevity that others dream of and pray for?

Well, there is no definitive answer to that, but I have always had a theory that is the only explanation I can possibly give you.  FIRST - without question he is incredibly talented, and got his hands on really amazing songs.  But my theory begins here...... 

George Strait never had that gigantic hit song that you can't follow up well. Sometimes those HUGE hits can be a problem in the long run. He was incredibly consistent. He branched out of course, but he never drifted so far from who he is, and his fans were never alienated by some new direction.  They liked who he was.  BUT THEN there are the SIX SONGS that to me -  made him, defined him, and made fans fall in love with him over and over again.  From my seat, these six songs are the among the reasons George Strait became  - and stayed a Mega Star.

1981 - Unwound -   His first big hit.  It was totally country at a time pop country was the rage so it cut through. It was fun, upbeat, short, with an amazing hook that got him noticed. But as much as anything, this song made you want to hear more from him. And to me that is the only job of a debut song.

1982 - Amarillo By Morning - This song is loved for its honesty and grit. He showed fans that he understood the lifestyle of rodeo, and the lives of country people in general. That things are tough but we push on because we have to, and we love our country lifestyle.  This song is a work of country music art. 

1985 -  The Chair  - A simple song that gave a voice to every dude with the fear of asking a woman on a date or to simply dance. Incredibly vulnerable and sweet, you can feel the nerves and the tension. This song showed that Strait understood the listener absolutely.  A wonderful story song that's timeless and forever relevant.  One of the smartest songs he ever recorded.

1987 - All My Exes Live In Texas  - Just a flat out great country song in every regard.

1992 - I Cross My Heart  - Is everything that's great about a country love song. This is a perfect example of the perfect artist meeting the perfect song.  This is loved all these years later by virtually every country music fan.

1995  - Check Yes or No  -  Everyone on earth can identify with this song in one way or another. I can't imagine anyone else singing this major hit song.

Strait changed everything. He was the lightning bolt that "younged" us up by sounding older school, quite a feat then.  Strait precipitated the changing of the guard in Nashville, by signaling the end of mutton chops, bad hair dye jobs, leisure, rhinestone and 3 piece suits, He inspired and ushered in new hat wearing stars in jeans, boots, and belt buckles. George Strait never had to reinvent himself either.  He is who he is and we are fine with that.  He is an icon in country music. His arrival was the beginning of the eventual end for many on the charts, but it was also the start of country's greatest movement forward and opened the door for many others to walk through.

Strait spearheaded the traditionalist movement when he appeared during Urban Cowboy, which was the other end of country.  He went through early and mid 80's pop-country, he paved the way for Randy Travis and other traditionalists in 1986. He joined in with the Neo-traditionalists of 1989 and beyond. He even recorded during Bro-country. He was always there, always on top of the charts.  He also revolutonized country concerts with his all-day festival style shows at stadiums, and once did a show in front of about 105,000.  Many of the biggest stars in country opened for him at his stadium shows over a number of years. 

A Little Later Strait - One Of My Favorites From Him - Simply Fantastic! 

Strait is the bar that all are measured by over that last 40 years.  His name shows up in countless songs, and is looked upon as the reason a slew of country stars wanted to become stars in the first place. 

Mega Star?  You bet - in the 1980's, 1990's, 2000's and beyond.  He was the beginning of the new beginning.