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 allegedly shot a man in the cheek last week, and still was able to make his Greatest Hits in-store performance at Waterloo. I haven't been blogging about the incident because I've been swamped with work, and haven't had time for much anything else. However, Linda over at Still Is Still Moving has done a great job of following the story.
I won't go into the details, but let me just emphasize that I support Billy Joe 100%. I reckon he was probably drinking, but the man he allegedly shot was reportedly drunker than him - and agressively brandished a big-ole hunting knife. Other reports differ and say that Billy Joe was the aggressor, with him saying "Where do you want it?" and "Tell me you're sorry - no one tells me to shut up."
Regardless of whatever comes out in the wash, you don't mess with Billy Joe Shaver - I don't care who you are. He is the true definition of Americana, and a national treasure. Do I think it's right to shoot people? No. Do I think he's above the law? No. But I do think he is an outlaw, and that he'd have to be awfully riled - and have a darn good reason, to pull his piece.
Billy Joe is a bit of a redneck - but so am I, so take that into consideration. As my dad said about the incident - "Aww, that dude he shot is doing just fine - he's not dead." Remember folks, this is Texas. You don't bring a knife to a gunfight.
At the beginning of his in-store at Waterloo, Billy Joe said "It's great to be anywhere". At his performance, he looked haggard, after posting $50,000 bail, but put on a heartfelt and upbeat performance. When he closed, he said "Don't forget to pray for me, and tell your kids to pray for me, too."
I bet there will be more than a few songs written about this authentic Cowboy/Outlaw/Poet.
I am a great lover of music. I listen to it all day while working, and play it whenever I can. In fact, yesterday morning about this time, I even wrote a song - I woke up with it in my head. It is amazing where inspiration will rear itself.
However, recently I was exposed to The Band via their swan song movie The Last Waltz. I was thinking to myself "Geez, that cinematography is amazing - I wonder who the director is." Scorsese, of course. I did just watch The Departed.
After reading everything on Wikipedia and watching a good bit of YouTube, I must admit that they may just become one of my greatest musical influences. What a fantastic group of musicians and songwriters. I cannot believe that that I've gone 32 years without making the connection.
It is amazing how once things come into your peripheral - you notice them all the time.
