Today's Country

KEITH AND VINCE GIVE IT ALL TO THE HALL
by S. Parks

The morning began with a subtle click of a door being unlocked.  The Country Music Hall of Fame was open.  A mob of Monkeyvillians ran from their line to enter the building, only to stand in another line for ninety more minutes.  They would have been glad to sleep on the terrace and wait days for the chance to see Keith Urban up close and personal at the long-awaited press conference.  I took the opportunity to interview a few fans and they were ecstatic to tell me why they love Keith – “his songs”, “his music”, “his guitar playing”, “his heart”, “he ain’t bad lookin’” and you know the rest.  They came from California, New York, Canada, and Norway.  Many have been fans for two or three years (myself - even longer as I’m honored to be his Fifth fan club member from way back!)   

In the Hall’s intimate Ford Theatre, we watched Mayor Karl Dean, TV hosts Crook and Chase, producer Tony Brown and a bevy of Music Row who’s-whos taking their seats down front.  The fans filled in the rest and screams began at the first sight of a few strands of Keith’s hair in the secretive entryway before taking a seat next to Vince Gill in the front row.  The special announcement to come was no secret as Keith had just given it away at his Saturday concert, but we were hungry for more info about the “We’re All for the Hall” event.

The room then became silent as the 2004 gospel recording of “I’ll Fly Away” echoed throughout the acoustically perfect theatre.  Museum Director Kyle Young explained that this song, sung “spot on” by Keith and recorded by over 500 artists, exemplifies the tradition and values preserved by the CMHOF for all time to come.

Vince Gill was introduced as the charming creator and leader of the on-going “All For The Hall” fundraising initiative.  This reigning Museum President had a vision as to how the musicians could give back and bring in funds to support the Hall.  He called on his longtime friend who jumped at the chance to participate and headline the benefit concert.  October 13 is the date, the Sommet Center is the place, and the Hall is the beneficiary.  In no time, Keith had enlisted the volunteer participation of his tourmates and friends.  As of this date, the list includes Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Little Big Town, Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean, and more are being added as we speak. 

After a series of Vince’s classic humorous comments (such as, “I never stand too close to Keith for picture reasons,” “I’m calorically challenged and he’s not,” and “We are both out-earned by our wives,”) he told of watching his good friend in The Ranch years ago and being absolutely certain of his success.

Keith took the podium and remarked at how, as a child, he loved his father’s country records of artists like Charlie Pride, contemporary at that time.  He would read where the records were made – in Nashville – and envision himself as a country music star in Nashville one day.  He then graciously poured out his appreciation and love for our city, our music, his success, and his beautiful family.  

Keith explained, “What I love about the Hall is that country keeps going forward and it’s so strong today.”  He added that it has the ability to embrace certain things in the current time without losing its integrity.  It maintains a sense of relevance at all times.  At one time, Chet put strings on a country record and it was disgraceful and now there’s a street named after him.

A once in a lifetime acoustic performance of “Making Memories of Us” indeed gifted us a beautiful memory as Vince harmonized with his lovely high tones.  At the end of the song, Keith continued into “Daddy was the apple of my eye…” from Vince’s famous Fruit of the Loom underwear commercial.  Vince picked up his cell phone and told Nicole to come and get him.

After the uproarious laughter, the pair took questions under the “Honor Thy Music” slogan projected above, a phrase made famous by Marty Stuart who, in the beginning, was largely responsible for the creation of the Hall.  Speaking of memories, I still have the confetti from the groundbreaking ceremony to which he had invited my family, his friends and fans. 

Brad Schmitt of WKRN asked about the low $25.00 ticket price for a show with more star power than any CMA Fest show.  Vince explained that he was not even aware of the ticket price when a man at the “Y” this morning told him, “I’m really grateful for what you guys are doing for the Hall of Fame.  I’m also grateful that I’m able to bring my kids because the ticket prices are affordable.”   Keith added, “Right now particularly it’s hard times for a lot of us……I’m also grateful for the vendors who have foregone their costs…..” He said it’s also about building awareness for the Hall.

In response to a question from the Tennessean’s Peter Cooper about the amount that could be raised, it was noted that the Sommet Center is a big place and it would be significant.  Vince added, “The beautiful thing is that it doesn’t matter.  It’s the generosity of the gesture that is by far the most important thing.  Whatever money is raised we’ll be grateful for it.”  They loved an idea from an audience member suggesting a release of the concert on DVD to raise even more funds.

Vince concluded, “This is our house, it should be priority one.  It is my passion to make sure people understand the reverence of this place…..it’s our responsibility and people are starting to get it.”

It was then announced that photos could be taken after the event.  Screams ensued and Vince joked, “Chicks dig me.”

Tickets will go on sale at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning.  Keith will open the show with his band followed by the long list of stars performing with an all-star band they are now assembling.  Something tells me that this will be only the first in a series of concerts that are “All For The Hall”.

Contact S. Parks at musicmusicmusic100@hotmail.com

Photo credits:     © 2009 JMK Photography and
                               © 2009 S-Parks Creative and Custom Guitars