Music That Inspires

I’ve developed an interesting relationship with cowboy music in the last few years: as a songwriting performer, a house concert host, a radio DJ, and as a friend to both fans and artists. As this relationship grows, so has my respect for everyone I’ve met. There just isn’t a finer bunch of people.

I continue to find a level of excellence that inspires and delights. There are singers, musicians and songwriters whose skills are just incredible. When a few come together to form a band or just to jam the results take the music to an even higher level. Recently we hosted a house concert for Donnie Blanz (www.donnieblanz.com) and he asked his friend, Jim Jones, (www.JimJonesmusic.com) to come down and play with him. It was an incredible evening that ended all too soon.

I really appreciate the writing and the ideas expressed in the songs. Donnie’s “You Just Can’t See Him From the Road” will surely outlive him. It’s already been recorded 17 different times. Jim’s “Long May You Ride” is another great tribute to the cowboy and a beautiful song. Both songs lament the fact that cowboys aren’t the American heroes and iconic figures they once were. Each song, in its own way, makes the cowboy relevant, courageous and heroic. I like to think these guys are right in what the songs have to say: that cowboys have great stories about an original American lifestyle, and live a code that we can all benefit from by trying to follow. And yes, Virginia, there are cowboys; you just can’t see them from the road. Long may they ride.