Country Music in Kenya

From NPR: Country music in Kenya

I just heard on Weekend Edition Saturday that country music is big in Kenya. Who woulda thunk it? They seem to have a special fervor for the genre, and even have their own country artists. I guess the heartached-laced optimism would appeal to a country that has been through so much. This world is so, very small sometimes. I mean "Coward of the County" in Kenya?? Maybe some of my fellow Texans might have something more in common with Africans than they think. I doubt those Texans listen to much NPR though.

Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe Shaver

Along with Willie Nelson and some Dead, Billy Joe Shaver is the only other person in all of music that can make me cry at the drop of a hat. You've probably heard his songs sung by Waylon and Willie, but if you reside outside of Texas, I reckon he's not on your radar at all.

Billy Joe's life has been turbulant; he's been a wrangler and a rambler. He lost his Mom and wife to cancer, only to lose his son (his best friend and guitarist) to heroin - in the same year. I implore you to listen to this interview with Terry Gross.

I guarantee you just might shed a tear.

Billy Joe Shaver is pure americana, and his songs are the epitome of the word authentic. He is an american treasure, and he is a treasure to the entire world. I am so fortunate to have seen him play at Willie's Fourth of July Picnic this past summer.

We can all learn something from this man. He's taught me that when "all you do is lose, you better find a way to win".

Billy Joe Shaver Biography