Scott Wynn

Scott Wynn

Monday, 26 April 2021 01:34

WYNN - SONG OF THE WEEK! - Country Again

Country Again  - Thomas Rhett

This weeks SOTW  belongs to one of our biggest stars, and songs like this show you why he is.  After his last single, (that I loved) What's Your Country Song, I was really encouraged about the direction was going.  That song, and this song, is a throwback to the 90's kind of feel and sound, and I feel there will ALWAYS be a crowd to listen to that.  That decade gave so many of our listeners their very first taste of our music, and it takes us back to some of the best times in our lives.

Being very honest, and completely understanding that he is a huge star, there have been singles by him in recent years that have gone right by me.  Not because they're not good songs as they were hits, and found an audiance and I always respect that. But more because I felt at times they were not really who we are at our core. But with that said, this song is what he does the very best.  This video too is very well done, and sells me totally on his direction for the foreseeable future. I love the simple presentation of this song to us!

This terrific song, from this talented guy, done this way, and packaged this well is the kind of stuff that wins Song Of The Year.  Stating that you are "country again" leads me to think that maybe there was straying a bit too far from the roots, and now something is pulling you back, and that's great to see, great to hear and great to know.

 What A Song!

 

I can listen to this song over and over. Grab a coffee and take a listen to this masterpiece!  This will be one of the best songs of the year -  for ANY year.

Well, well done!

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Friday, 23 April 2021 01:42

WYNN - Wynn At The Movies And Info!

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



#1 - Godzilla / Kong Top Grossing movie since pandemic began   (Story)



Mortal Kombat - Release Date is this week!   Theaters and HBO MAX   (Story)  Trailer Inapproriate

 

Also Demon Slayer  -  New in theaters only 

 

Oscars - Sunday On ABC Speeches will be longer this year   (Story)  Worst ratings year ever for award shows.



Amazon Prime - Added 50 million subscribers during the pandemic and now has over 200 million viewers   (Story)



Arnold Schwarzenegger - Wants Sylvester Stallone to star with him in the Commando reboot.   (Story)  Original 1985   

 

Vin Diesel - Is supposedly going to be starring in a movie based on the Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots toy from back in the day.  (Story)  Didn't Real Steel already sort of do that with Hugh Jackman (2011) ?

 

Word Is – A Rod has warned Ben Affleck NOT to try to get back with Jennifer Lopez  (Story)

 

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

 

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My friend Monta from Nashville in a Facebook post last week on "Truckin' Songs", asked what ever happened to them in country music.  Wow did it take me back!  She is correct, they  - for now have disappeared off the country landscape but they have a real history and had a great run within our format.  I have given spins to hundreds of them over many years on great country stations around the country, and did so proudly.

Big Alabama Song -  Became One Of Thier Biggest Songs

 

Alan Jackson - One Of His Many #1's

 

Truckin Songs were not a trend in Country, they were far more. Unlike Pop-Country, Urban Cowboy, the Neo-Traditionalists, or Bro-Country. Those all had a definite "run"  as one era sort of gave way to another. Truckin' or drivin' songs were just kind of there for decades, as there always seemed to be room for a couple on the charts no matter the current trend. This went on for about 30 years.  Now though, it is out of favor, but if history is our guide, one cool new song, by a new, hot and relevant artist today, would spawn every act in Nashville to have their song too.

Jerry Reed's Classic - This Song Had a Lot To Do With The Movies Success  - Still In Pop Culture

 

Monta also asked peeps to comment and leave their favorite Truckin' Songs in her feed, and there were tons of them.  Most of course from the 1970's or so. In the 70's and some on either side, there was a truckin' song phase that spawned a ton of big hits. The C.B. Radio phase of the mid to late 70's fueled by the tremendous success of the movie, Smokey And The Bandit and a few others, gave new life to more trucking songs, like East Bound And Down by Jerry Reed which was from Smokey, and was a number two hit.  It has also lived on for years in commercials, and other uses.  I still turn it up loud when I hear it come on.

Kathy Mattea  - Won Song Of The Year With This Truckin' Song!

 

Truckin' songs are almost unique to country as far as having chart success.  They, at their core honor a sect of our workforce that sometimes can feel unappreciated for their work. And even though they sing about truckin', the sentiment is felt by other hard working, blue collar people in other fields that the work ethic in the song sings about.  I love that.  In country today we have a tendency to sing about love and relationships, partying, love and loss, and that's fine. But truckin' songs are many times poignant and powerful. That may sound strange to some, but they certainly are to those who live the songs, and not everyone does.  And true, they can also be simple escapism. Even though there will always be those who think that these songs are a stereotypical part of country that is silly, twangy and not for them, I am proud of the genre.

Six Days On The Road - One Of The Absolute Anthems Of The Genre

 

Six Days On The Road, originally by Dave Dudley (1962-Original), has been done by many artists over the decades, including Sawyer Brown (1997), and rocker Steve Earl to name a few.  It's one of the real truck anthems that has a life of its own.  Many artists have recorded huge truckin' hits, including Ronnie Milsap, Alabama, Alan Jackson, Kathy Mattea, Eddie Rabbitt, Garth, Dierks Bentley and old schoolers too like Merle Haggard, (Theme to a TV Show) Red Sovine, and Del Reeves.  Joe Stampley in 1975 may have recorded the ultimate truckin' anthem with Roll On Big Mama. It went number one and was a gigantic hit!  I interviewed him as a young broadcaster, and he told me he was enternally thankful for this song as he went on to a long run on the charts after. (I also think it's the only song ever that mentions "Coeur d' Alene)  (Idaho)

Joe Stampley - A Smash #1  (They even mic-ed up a Tractor Trailer for the Sound

 

These songs can also make you feel good. They take us to places that are very personal to those in the trucking industry along with their family and friends, as the life of an over-the-road trucker is far a more than a job, it's a lifestyle with extreme sacrifice.  They also are exceedingly visual for those that have never been in a big rig rolling down the road wondering what it would be like.  I think everyone on earth has done that in their mind.  These songs resonate deeply to those who feel taken for granted, or not as appreciated as they should be. But these are the same people that are always there, keeping us going when times are tough, as we have learned again over the past year or so.

Dierks Bentley - Modern Drivin' Song - His Rig Is A Bus!  - Bus Drivers Too, And It Captures The Essence

 

These anthems are also viewed as patriotic to a degree.  I feel they share a whole lot of the same audience that love songs that honor the military, as many of them applaud the commitment to a tough, and important job that doesn't just need to be done -  but has to be done. They are plain and simple songs of the working man or woman, and country loves that, as it is about the only genre that takes the time to remember that there are people that should be honored when it is easier to sing about something else. 

Garth Got Into The Act Too!

 

 Convoy - Was A Gigantic Record - Crossed Into Pop Culture

 

Yes, there are silly ones too that found their way to number one. C.W. McCall with Convoy in 1975 comes to mind, but he had the last laugh as it sold a few million, has been used in thousands of ways since, plus a movie was based on it.  Cledus Maggard And The Citizens Band went number one with The White Knight in 1976 a silly speed trap song that was a real novelty favorite. (BTW that entire album is hilarious - worth a download if you like silly humor)  And of course Red Sovine's, Teddy Bear, which actually has a silly title, but the song is anything but.  And is a real old-school favorite.

Forty Hour Week - Alabama - A Truckin' Song Inspired  - Working Man's Song

 

Truckin' Songs helped give birth to the working folks anthems, and that list is endless in country.  That is one of the most unique things we do.  True, they are not songs of "being in love," or worshiping the new person in your life. But they are love songs of a different sort. A love of their job, a love of the road, their country, a love of their rig, and above all  -  love to the spouses and loving family that is anxiously awaiting their safe return home after a long week on the road.

Eddie Rabbitt - A Real Favorite  - Took Truckin' To The Pop Charts

 

ROLL ON down the road truckers, Roll ON......But Look Out For Smokey  -AND THANK YOU!!!

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Tuesday, 20 April 2021 01:26

WYNN - LOCAL GOLF - Royal Crest Golf Club

I love supporting local businesses, and of course I play my share of golf. This week, I want to feature a locally and family owned golf course I have been playing my who life.  Royal Crest in Columbia Station, pretty much at the Strongsville city line.  If you know where SouthPark Mall is, it's just maybe 3 miles or so west of it on the same road, RT. 82.

I root for these guys every year.  Golf is a business where big companies or cities, the MetroParks own the many of the courses, and it is great to see a family operations thrive.  RC has been there since the 1960's and is still a fun place to play.  A course that is good for all skill levels too.  If you want to play a moderate length course it's good, or if you are a front line player, you can play the tips and have a go at it from almost 7,200 yards!

The course is honest, it is right in front of you, flat for the most part, with large greens that are always in great shape. No sand, some water, and a stretch holes where hitting is straight is a must.  Plus this is designed well, where good scoring can be achieved simply by good play.  To me, it is a short game course as the greens are large, so getting on the green isn't a par guarantee.  You can have some long putts here.

Mix in a quaint barn clubhouse and about the nicest staff you can imagine, along with a nice craft beer selection and reasonable rates and deals, RC is great place to play.  Outings too if you have a group that is looking for a place to have your outing.

barn

These are very nice people that are worth supporting.  Make a Royal Crest run soon.  I have my entire life.

faiway

Royal Crest Website

Royal Crest Facebook

 

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Let's all check our calendars and see exactly what year it is.  It is 2021, and yes, that is Clay Walker back on the charts.  One of the real hit makers from the 1990's and early 2000's is back and that is great to see.

He's 51 now, looks great and sounds just as you remember him. Walker is one of those guys that had a great run on the charts with a long line of hits, and a bunch of number ones.  I was a fan, as were we all. What is interesting is that I feel there will be for the foreseeable future a taste for 90's country.  So many of today's country fans became country fans in that incredible decade and have stayed with us.  Walker was one of the driving forces in it, and it's really good see him back, as he takes us back.

Remember The First Time You Heard His First Hit? - 1993

 

This song is just as you remember him, and Walker simply is Walker and not trying to be something reinvented, or trying some new thing because stars half his age are having success with something. This is a nice song, suited right for him.  It's been a decade and it's good to see this new song and video.  Just as What's It To You was, this song is traditional, very tidy, and does not wear out it welcome.

Grab a coffee, and let's take a listen to Clay Walker's new song!

 

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Friday, 16 April 2021 01:19

WYNN - Wynn At The Movies And Info!

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



#1 - Godzilla / Kong Top Grossing movie since pandemic began (Godzilla vs. Kong - $13.8 Million) this week

 

Mortal Kombat - Release Date is now April 23  (Story)

 

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 - Is in the works  (Story)  Original 2002

 

Top Gun: Maverick - Has been postponed from July to November due to the pandemic (Story)   

 

Channing Tatum - Is turning Magic Mike into a dance competition show for HBO Max.  (Story)

 

Ellen DeGeneres – Has hit an all-time ratings low with just 800,000 viewers, lost almost half its viewers this season ''Live with Kelly and Ryan'' is averaging 1.8 million   



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

 

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Wednesday, 14 April 2021 01:15

WYNN - North Market!

This past weekend, the Beautiful Windy and I masked up and went down to take a little day trip to Columbus. We had heard of this place called the North Market and how cool it was, and it was.

This is a combination of Cleveland's West Side Market and the worlds most delicious food court.  Yes, you can buy meat and things to take home, but we had interest in eating the incredible food that you can eat right there.  Many of these places are totally authentic and some have been visited by Guy Fieri on this Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives show.    (We love that show BTW)

We ate at a Polish stand that had incredible huge cheese balls, with a spicy stew to dip it in.  We also sampled sensational brisket from the Barrel And Boar.  I could have eaten that all day long.  We had Tibetan food, and ate some truly amazing real ice cream that was so good, we almost went back for seconds.

NM cheese

Places like this are really fun.  We ate like the scene in Crazy Rich Asians movie when they eat in the street from all those terrific places.  Felt the same. We have found a few places like this over the past few years and I can't wait to get back there.

nm ice cream

If you find yourself in Columbus, stop in here.  Simply great!

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Jennifer saw last weeks article and asked if I could feature Crystal Gayle (Brenda Gail Webb) this week. Of course!  She recorded for many years had a truly great career. I wish history was kinder to talented people of this era.

She, as you may know is Loretta Lynn's sister, and did follow her sisters footsteps to a degree, as yes, she was a country singer.  But Gayle's style, arrangements and about everything else was very different.  Her voice was different, her fashion, and her floor length hair which became her pop culture trademark was certainly different.  Her success was different too.  Without question, she had a great career, but one thing she did have in common professionally with Loretta was each had a ton of hits, wrapped around a gigantic signature song. Loretta's Coal Miners Daughter, and Gayle's, Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue. 

Songs Get No Bigger Than This

 

She was a backup singer in Loretta's band, but soon landed her own recording contract in the mid 1970's and began her run. Her style was a more pop-country, and at first there was limited success.  But in 1977 when she recorded Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue, things changed forever. It was an international #1 hit song that not only changed her career, but helped country become noticed by a whole new audience that never sampled us before.  The song was originally written for a British singer to record, but never made it across the pond until Gayle recorded it.  Can you imagine anyone else singing that song?  Me either.

This Was A Big Song As Well - Same Era

 

The success that followed was big, and there were plenty of country hits and many crossover hits too.  Gayle was one of the most successful crossover artists we have ever had. That was the trend at the time, and she was the right person in the right place at the right time.  She not only had her own songs, she recorded a gigantic duet with Eddie Rabbitt, You And I, which became a big wedding song nationally for a few years.  Her run from the late 1970's till the late 1980's was very successful. She was a star.

This Duet Was The Equivalent Of "Amazed " Many Years Later

 

The thing I really loved about her was, she was a great singer with an angelic voice.  Her voice was not stereotypical country, it was mass appeal.  She was one of those great singers from that era that could just flat out sing. Ala - Barbara Mandrell,  Janie Fricke, and others.  And the type of songs she could sing were endless.  She had great success on the country and pop charts, but like many when country shifted more traditional, hers and many others chart run were casualties.  But I can listen to her sing Don't It Make My Browns Eyes Blue another thousand times.

This Was A Real Big Song - Late Night AM Radio Song

 

She and her sister each recorded one of the most important songs in our history.  Coal Miners Daughter was from a different time and era of course and was highly influential, but no less important. And Gayle's DIMMBEB, is one of the most important songs ever in country in terms of a more modern era, by attracting new fans on the eve of Urban Cowboy. Her version of it is country music sacred ground.  Not many families can say that.

One Of My Favorite Gayle Songs - Big Hit Country And Pop

 

Crystal Gayle had a great career, and was a big star.  She won awards, A Grammy, and sold millions of albums. She also was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2016 (what took so long?).  And in a recording session in 1977 with a song that is 2:32  - helped propel country to a new level, one we are still enjoying today.   And she still has floor length hair.

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Country music has evolved into many different phases over the years and that's fine. There is something for everyone, and at times that is one of our biggest strengths when things are going well.

But no matter how much things change, evolve or transition musically, there's always room and a market for a good ol' beer drinking song.  Good reminder  - you don't water the leaves, you water the roots.  And that's exactly what this written song is  -  The roots.

This is newcomer Jameson Rodgers and he gets an assist from the incredible Luke Combs.  Great new song!

 

Grab a beer.....er,   a coffee and take a listen!

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Tuesday, 13 April 2021 01:00

WYNN - There's A New Park!

The beautiful Windy and I live near a new park that is really worth checking out!  It's in the Kent / Streetsboro area on Ravenna Road.  Trail Lake Park is worth discovering.  It's brand new, in fact there is still work going on there!

There's A Beautiful Launch

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Trail Lake Park is a wonderful new area with an extra wide gigantic walking trail around a beautiful lake.  It was quiet and very nice. We took Juneau The Husky there Easter Sunday after our feast so she could get a good walk in along with us. Juneau hadn't been feeling herself for a few days, and we thought a long walk may help - and it did.   In fact, it seemed to be a turning point for her. That made us happy.

Juneau Loved Her Long Quiet Walk There

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Both man and beast had a great time, and I'm glad we all discovered a new place together we can go together and enjoy a nice quiet walk through nature.

We'll Be Back

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