I hear folks complaining all the time that radio plays Christmas music too soon. Some stations start a day or two before Christmas day; others start the day after Thanksgiving. I know of at least one that started a week before Thanksgiving. It’s really as much a matter of taste as when you want to hear it as it is what you want to hear. Even in our household of two, there’s a division on who plays what.
I tend to favor the classics. As corny as it is, I can listen to Bing Crosby sing “White Christmas” a hundred times per season (and that’s probably a low count). I have two favorite CDs I keep in my car that have been there for years:
# 1 -BILLBOARD- GREATEST CHRISTMAS HITS 1935-1954
Here I get Gene Autry’s original “Rudolph”; “Santa Baby” as it was first sung by Eartha Kitt; and the oft- misnamed “The Christmas Song” by Nat “King” Cole. (The correct title is not “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”.)
#2 – BILLBOARD- GREATEST CHRISTMAS HITS 1955-PRESENT
Here’s “White Christmas” again but this time by The Drifters like you’ve never heard it before. Classic! And then my good pal and little sweetheart, Brenda Lee singing “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”; and, of course, “Blue Christmas” by Elvis and the Jordanaires. (That’s them doing the ooh-oohs like only they could do. Gordon Stoker has more untold stories in his head than anyone in show business.)
And then over in Debbie’s car, where I seldom ride for more reasons than just the music she plays, you can hear her favorite seasonal CD: DION – ROCK N’ ROLL CHRISTMAS
You know what? Even I have to admit there is something magical about his SILENT NIGHT.
So what do we play in the house where we both have to listen? Well, every once in a while, but not as often as you many think, you might hear one of the two STATLER Christmas albums; “Christmas Card” and “Christmas Present”. (I think the only one still available is the first one now titled “Best of the 20th Century” – see STATLER website.) And the number one CD we both agree on is the one playing in my office right this minute as I type this and is also playing downstairs in the kitchen where she’s making Chex-Mix. “CHRISTMAS GUITARS” by WILSON/FAIRCHILD. And this is not a plug because one is my son and one is my nephew. This is the truth because it is simply some of the best music you will ever relax to or ever reminisce to. Two fantastic musicians playing Christmas carols on acoustic guitars and setting a mood that makes you want to light the tree and read the Christmas story. If you’re looking for something to get yourself for Christmas, this is it. It’s sweet, beautiful and peaceful. Just like the whole season should be.
God bless Langdon and Wil for keeping it true and simple.
Merry Christmas!

-DSR

THE MULLIGANS OF MT. JEFFERSON – RELEASE DATE JANUARY 1, 2012

The Statler Brothers have been retired for nine (9) years.  Seems like only yesterday since our final concert, but it’s closer to a decade.  Since closing down shop and giving our voices a rest (Jimmy is still performing) except in the pews on Sunday mornings, we (Harold, Phil and I) have stayed out of the spotlight and nearer the hearths of home.  But good things have continued to happen for us from all avenues of the industry.

Even in retirement, the Gospel Music Association decided to induct us into their Hall of Fame in 2007.  The Country Music Hall of Fame followed suit in 2008 and we were overcome with the emotion of both events.  To say we are honored is a shortcoming and a failure of words.  We display these medallions with pride and feel our collective career has found a place in the sacred annals of history.  And just a short time ago we discovered it wasn’t over.  The awards just keep coming.

The Southern Gospel Music Association holds their Singing News Awards show each fall at Dollywood.  This is where the best of the best get their individual recognitions for categories such as Best Group, Best Lead Singer, Best Female Vocalist and etc.  This year we got an invitation to attend as they wanted to honor our contribution to Southern Gospel Music (we always included a gospel song on each album, did at least two or three in each concert, and closed all our TV shows with a hymn) with the presentation of the James D. Vaughn Award.  Mr. Vaughn, for those who are unfamiliar with the name, invented, created, began, founded what is known today as Southern Gospel.  He’s the granddaddy of this branch of music much as Bill Monroe is to Bluegrass and Jimmy Rodgers and The Carter Family are to Country.  We gladly and proudly went down to Pigeon Forge with our wives and accepted the award and thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Just before we left for the trip, we heard from Dolly Parton.  She congratulated us (she received the same award last year) and invited us to use her personal dressing room while we were at Dollywood for the afternoon show.  We took her up on her invitation and were glad to have a place to get out of the crowd for a couple of hours and have lunch.  So the eight of us, relaxed and in her spacious, three-room dressing suite beneath the Celebrity Theater until showtime.

It was a busy day that consisted of interviews for radio, TV and print; a red carpet parade through the park with thousands of fans to meet and greet; and a reception and picture op with the press and other artists.  The highlight of the day for the four Statlers was not only the JDV Award but also the chance to again see some old friends and make some new ones in a field of music that continually produces the best singers and musicians on the scene today.

I think the highlight for the wives (Debbie, Brenda, Wilma, and Nina) was Dolly’s sweet pink chaise lounge.

–DSR     Saturday November 26, 2011     6:10 pm

THE MULLIGANS OF MT. JEFFERSON WILL BE RELEASED JANUARY 1, 2012