I’ve fallen several weeks behind in this endeavor to electrify my old journals (mostly) from the 1980s. So, I’m going to try to get caught up with this project and, at the same time, begin responding to and reflecting on this situation the world — my world, our world — finds itself in during this strange spring season of 2020.

A first reflection: Maybe the notion of 20/20 will serve as a metaphor that encourages us to see ourselves — all of us (in which us really means all of us, from Jonesborough, Tennessee, to its antipodal point of Oceania and the closest city of Augusta, Australia, and back again) — as one people, one world under God, including all iterations of God’s name in whatever tongue, tribe, and nation.

Now, to my little world and its past. I thought that this stretch of days, from February 14 to 20, would’ve generated years of Valentine’s Day musings about loneliness and hope for love, but that turns out not to be the case. I found only one entry on a February 14, and that was from 1978. It doesn’t even mention Valentine’s Day. Some romantic I am!

Captain’s Log: Stardate 021.478 (Tuesday, February 14, 1978)

Today was a little short of yesterday but it was still a great blessing just to be alive. I got Anita’s ticket from Dr. Bryant and I’m praying for a good time tomorrow evening. I don’t know what the Lord will have happen between me and Anita but it’s totally in His hands and I’ll accept whatever should happen.

I went home tonight and took Phil. We had a couple of pizzas and he met the family. I’ve also got some plans made for April which I’ve gotta get rolling.

“Rampal” above and below is Jean-Pierre Rampal, a flute hero of mine. Dr. Joyce Bryant, my flute teacher at Mars Hill College, got tickets to see Rampal in Charlotte, North Carolina, and she had an extra ticket for my new friend and piano accompanist Anita Miller.

I have no idea what the “plans made for April” might have been, unless it was the music for Easter and 5th Sunday in Walnut. Maybe further entries will shed some light on this.

Captain’s Log: Stardates 021.578-021.678 (Wednesday-Thursday, February 15-16, 1978)

Last night was unbelievable as far as the concert goes. Rampal had me completely in his spell and at the end I got his autograph and his accompanist’s.

Between me and Anita everything went well or as well as I might expect. Today I practiced hard ’cause I’ve got a full head of steam rollin’. . . .

I have in my mind images of Rampal on stage, but I have no memory of getting his autograph or of the trip to Charlotte and back.

Captain’s Log: Stardates 021.778-021.978 (Friday-Sunday, February 17-19, 1978)

There wasn’t much to this weekend except for today. We got together at Youth Group and worked on our new music for Easter and the 5th Sunday in April. It was really nice ’cause we had about 20 people or so and are expecting more.

Tonight I saw “The Eagle Has Landed.” It was a real good flick. . . . .

The Eagle Has Landed (1976) stars Donald Sutherland, Robert Duvall, and Michael Caine. This is perhaps interesting only in that I was thinking just last night of another Sutherland film from back then, The Great Train Robbery (1978), which also starred Sean Connery and Leslie-Anne Down

Captain’s Log: Stardate 022.078 (Monday, February 20, 1978)

There’s really not much to say. It was another blessing of good life. . . .

Well, that last entry sounds almost like these 2020 groundhog days of quarantine. We go to bed whenever we feel like it. We don’t set an alarm and wake up whenever we wake up. We actually make 90% of our meals at home and eat 95% of them there. . . .

These days in the first half of February are the approximate middle of winter. Even in the first year of my Captain’s Log, I began to slip a bit in the regularity of my entries, covering a range of days at a time. Then, as the log moves on beyond its first year, I seem to have written very entries during February in general and, for this midwinter week, none at all beyond 1980.

So, away we go, winging back over forty years to February 1978, when I was some three months into my nineteenth year.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 020.778 [Tuesday, February 7, 1978]

Work work work work, work work work work. Well, I guess that sums up my feelings. I slept late this morning but I’ve been busy since I got up. Tomorrow doesn’t look much better with 5 classes to look forward to.

I saw A——— today. She’s been in the infirmary for a couple of days. When she gets to feeling better maybe we’ll get some work done on our music.

New Beginning practice went well tonight and after that was done, I had a pretty good practice with my flute. . . .

Captain’s Log: Stardates 020.878-020.978 [Wednesday-Thursday, February 8-9, 1978]

I’ve been busy these past couple of days. I’m doing a lot of practicing and I can feel it paying off ever so slightly. Tomorrow I only have German and a flute lesson. . . .

Captain’s Log: Stardates 021.078-021.278 [Friday-Sunday, February 10-12, 1978]

These days have been pretty uneventful. I’m just stayin’ alive and I’m thankful for that. On Friday I had a real good flute lesson, then went home to just kick around. Yesterday morning, I called Kelly to tell her I’d be down March 3, 4, & 5. Then I came back to Mars Hill to set up the handbell tables and practice piano. Last night Paul Babely and me went to see the Asheville Symphony. It was pretty good.

Today I’m playing hand bells at the Baptist church, then it’s home for lunch and I’m starving now. . . .

Captain’s Log: Supplimental [sic]

Another Sunday night and I’m back at school waiting for another Monday. This, however, should be a good week if my piano lesson doesn’t mess me up. She really loaded me down. What’s good about this week is that Wednesday I’ll be in Charlotte to see Jean-Pierre Rampal, and I can’t wait. well, better catch some Z’s. . . .

Captain’s Log: Stardate 021.378 [Monday, February 13, 1978]

This day has been great! So many good things have happened to me and I know they come by the grace of my God, the only God.

First I must tell you about a late entry for yesterday. At Youth Group it was decided that I would arrange the service for the group’s 5th Sunday meeting in April. I really hope we can do well and be a blessing to all who hear us.

I got mail from Camp Cheerio this morning telling me that they were very impressed with my application. If I get the job, it’ll be a big decision as to whether or not to go.

This evening I went to Mike Tweed’s to eat supper and had the usual good time.

When I got back from Tweed’s I got the urge to go down and practice. Just as I got there A——— was quitting. I never did get any practice done because we just talked for almost an hour. She’s gonna go to the Rampal concert with us on Wednesday. It was thrilling because for a week or so I’ve been praying for someone to talk to and spend some time with and this comes up. I don’t know what’ll come of it but I’m sure willing to hide and watch (I hope Dr. Bryant still has tickets). . . .

Captain’s Log: Stardate 020.780 [Thursday, February 7, 1980]

Hello! Things are going well here in Music City. I’ve had a good weekend and a good week so far. I saw George, Phill and Keith, (Not Ed), and Mike. Made the flume zoom at Opryland and I also applied for a job with Labor Source, Inc. driving a van 5 hrs a week for $6.00/hr. I gave my tunes to Mulloy and he liked them, especially “Rhymes” and “A Cowboy” . . .

It seems during these early days of my first having moved away from home that I traveled back to the mountains most every weekend. I guess that was the case until I got the Opryland job (even though I didn’t keep it very long).

Bob Mulloy was one of my instructors in the Music Business program at Belmont College. I remember “Rhymes” (as a song, although I can’t remember it enough to play it). I have Gabriel writing some of it in the apartment above the funeral home in Gabriel’s Songbook. “A Cowboy” was in B minor and was Joey Plemmons’s favorite among my songs.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 021.180 [Monday, February 11, 1980]

Not a whole lot going down these days. Just been doing school work mostly. Let’s see, last week I talked to Billy Puett for about 30 mins. which was really interesting. I got my job at Opryland but I didn’t get the one with Labor Source, Inc. School is going fine except for Algebra. If things don’t get any better in there, I may try to get out and go back to Math 90 rather than fail but if there’s a chance I’ll pass I hang 10. I got to talk to Joe Arnold for a while last night, it was great to hear his voice again. Jack is supposed to call sometime soon. I’ve got my first session in the studio coming up Thursday (021.480). I’ll be doing lead vocals on a Charlie Daniels tune called the “Passing Lane“. I’ve never heard it so I hope I can learn it and do a good job. I wrote and finished a new tune of my own today called “Forever”. A complete remake of an of an [sic] old one T. Wiley helped me write a few years back . . .

I first encountered Algebra at Marshall High School, on the island, when I was a freshman. I did really well in Algebra I. During sophomore year at Madison High School, I started out well in Geometry and did a slow fade through the year, actually failing the last six weeks, I think. Algebra II in junior year was a disaster. So goes my math skills.

I’m not sure how meeting Billy Puett came about. He was a studio musician in Nashville, providing flute/saxophone/recorder tracks for lots of folks I listened to: Dallas Holm, England Dan & John Ford Coley, Jimmy Buffett, and more.

I’m running behind on everything these days — or at least it seems so. And before anybody asks — “So, what’s changed?” — this is more than usual. I’m thinking of just renaming this “Through the Years” or something cheesy like that and not worrying about keeping up. But for now it remains as titled above.

Back to 1978, which is now more than 40 years ago.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 013.178 [Tuesday, January 31, 1978]

My last day of complete freedom is almost at a close. Tomorrow starts regular classes and for a Wednesday I’m really loaded down. I’ve got a lot of music to go through this semester but I’m gonna stick my nose to the old grindstone.

New Beginning Singers was good this evening. I really enjoy the music we’re doing.

Well, I better get some sleep ’cause I got a 9:00 class tomorrow. . . .

Captain’s Log: Stardate 020.178 [Wednesday, February 1, 1978]

Well, classes started today and I’m really tired. I played flute for 5 hours today. I think I’m gonna ask A——— to go to Charlotte with me to see Jean Pierre-Rampall [sic]. Keep your fingers crossed for me. . . .

As I was writing this, I looked up Jean-Pierre Rampal and learned that he died in 2000. I don’t know why this surprises me. I suppose I think of such influences as something akin to immortal. But before long — or the longer I live — these folks I’ve grown up with will start walking on from Earth.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 020.278 [Thursday, February 2, 1978]

Well, things are moving slow as classes are just getting underway. I think it’s gonna be a good semester once things get organized. My English and German seem to be okay, at least for the first day.

I can’t quite figure out why I’m so lonely all of the time. There seems to be no one in this world — that I’ve met yet — for me. I’ve prayed that the Lord give me someone to be with but I guess I haven’t stuck with it well enough. I know he can give me all I need if I’ll only trust him.

I told Anita about the tickets Dr Bryant has but I didn’t say anything about taking her. I think I’ll say I’ll buy it for her as payment for her help on piano. . . .

The late great Dr. Joyce Bryant was my flute teacher during my years as a flute major at Mars Hill College. She was a great teacher — firm but supportive and encouraging — with a truly quirky personality and style. She always wore those clip-on sunglasses flipped up most of the time. But when she’d get excited, she always made some move that caused them to fall down and put her suddenly in the dark.

I remember going to see Jean Pierre-Rampal in Charlotte, but I can’t remember now if A——— went with me or not.

Captain’s Log: Compiled Stardates 020.378-020.578 [Friday-Sunday, February 3-5, 1978]

Once again it is Saturday, or rather Sunday, night, and tomorrow kicks off another week. On my new schedule I have four classes, an hour of piano practice and three hours of flute practice.

There’s nothing really to say about these past 72 hours. Friday, 010.378 [sic] I went to see John in “Godspell” which was really good. Then I went to experience Cinema 180 which was good to. Yesterday was a day for lying around and practicing. I went to the ball game and spent most of the time talking to Nickie and Suzanne. Today I have spent studying mainly though the highlight was Mike’s sermon on faith which I thought was super. . . .

“Mike” was, again, Mike Tweed, pastor and friend. Nickie and Suzanne were friends from Madison High School. I don’t remember Nickie’s last name (maybe Sprague?), but Suzanne’s was Powell.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 020.678 [Monday, February 6, 1978]

The days of our lives here at MHC just move on by slowly, but when I think back each night it seems to have passed so swiftly. Today was alright. I had four classes and practiced for about 3 hours on flute. Wednesday I start my piano, so I’ll be glad to get into that. It snowed last night and it was really cold today but I reckon everyone made it through. I’m really enjoying my German class. It has spawned a new dream in my mind which is to see Germany, after I graduate here, and study music. That would be wild but I guess I’ll be patient and wait on the Lord to see what He’ll have me do. . . .

Although I would never have been a good enough flutist to do graduate study in Germany, I did get to see Germany — and even sooner than I thought. Less than a year and a half from the time I wrote this, I was in Germany and 16 other European countries with AESU. That adventure, I’m sure, gave me the confidence to leave home and go to school — however briefly — in Nashville, where I found myself just a few months after the trip to Europe, in the winter of 1980.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 013.180 [Thursday, January 31, 1980]

This week has been alot [sic] of work. I’ve been having many tests this week so I should know how I’m doing in each class soon. Other than study and music there’s not been a whole lot going on. I put music to “Once for Every Lonely Night” and I wrote my first descent [sic] religious song, “I Will Raise You Up”. I hope I can get my songs recorded as soon as possible cause I need to be hitting the publishers soon.

I’ve got my job interview with Opryland Feb. 6 @ 3:00. It’s with the operations department working with the rides. Right now I’m making plans for what to do with my money. Other than live on it, I hope to buy a cheap, used electric piano for my writing. I’d also like to have the 4-track portable studio cassette player that TEAC has come out with.

Well, tomorrow I hope to go home if the weather holds . . .

While I have a vague memory of “Once for Every Lonely Night” and might even be able to find a recording of it, I have no memory of “I Will Raise You Up.” I seem to recall a reel-to-reel recording that I made in the back room at Walnut. If the song is anywhere (recorded, that is), then it’s likely to be on that tape.

Although Opryland didn’t want me to entertain its visitors, it hired me to run them through the Flume Zoom (or the Log Ride). I don’t remember too much about it, as I didn’t stay with it long, only until March or April. I do remember once working the station at the top of the drop at the end (see below), when some girls who rode by in their log flattered me by saying I looked like Burt Reynolds.

Must’ve been the mustache.

We’d had lots of rain in east Tennessee the days before my gig at Union Street Tap Room in Erwin, Tennessee. And then on the Friday of the gig, the weather turned cold, and snow fell on and off all day.

Leesa and I were on the way to Erwin, driving from our house and intending to pick up HWY 81 at the end of Arnold Road. But when we arrived at the intersection of Arnold and 81, the road from there to Erwin was closed. So, we had to turn around and go back through Johnson City and around I-26.

We got to Union Street in time to set up the equipment and for me to begin at 8:00, but the rerouting took up the time I’d intended to use in writing up a list of songs for the two-hour set. For that reason, I don’t have a set list to provide.

One thing different about this show from most previous ones is that I included several more cover tunes. In fact, for the first two-thirds of the performance, I alternated covers and originals, and for the last third, I probably mixed originals/covers at about 3/1.

Although I don’t remember the order exactly, here are most of the songs I did for the night:

• “No Surrender” (Bruce Springsteen)
• “Dizzy from the Distance”
• “Wildfire” (Michael Martin Murphy)
• “She’s a Wild One”
• “Year of the Cat” (Al Stewart)
• “Fiesta”
• “Into the Mystic” (Van Morrison)
• “The Jaws of Modern Romance”
• “Genesis Road”
• “Heart of Gold” (Neil Young)
• “Empty Islands”
• “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” (Looking Glass)
• “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” (U2)
• “Pride (In the Name of Love)” (U2)
• “The Street I Live On”
• “Best I’ve Ever Seen”
• “Jamboree”
• “The Weight” (The Band)
• “Lean on Me” (Bill Withers)
• “The Bells of Vimperk”
• “You’ve Got Something I Need”
• “There Was Always a Train”
• “Rain on the River”
• “Homecoming”

That’s 24 songs, which works out to $6.25 per song.

Here’s a passage I ran across in my reading of Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces:

The inflated ego of the tyrant is a curse to himself and his world–no matter how his affairs may seem to prosper. Self-terrorized, fear-haunted, alert at every hand to meet and battle back the anticipated aggressions of his environment, which are primarily the reflections of the uncontrollable impulses to acquisition within himself, the giant of self-achieved independence is the world’s messenger of disaster, even though, in his mind, he may entertain himself with humane intentions. Wherever he sets his hand there is a cry (if not from the housetops, then–more miserably–within every heart): a cry for the redeeming hero, the carrier of the shining blade, whose blow, whose touch, whose existence, will liberate the land.

Joseph Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, 11.

Campbell — in 1949 — accurately describes the political situation in the (not-so) United States of America and, indeed, much of the rest of the Western world:

. . . schism in the soul, schism in the body social, will not be resolved by any scheme of return to the good old days (archaism), or by programs guaranteed to render an ideal projected future (futurism), or even by the most realistic, hardheaded work to weld together again the deteriorating elements. Only birth can conquer death–the birth, not of the old things again, but of something new. Within the soul, within the body social, there must be–if we are to experience long survival–a continuous ‘recurrence of birth’ . . . to nullify the unremitting recurrences of death.

Joseph Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, 11-12.

The semester here at ETSU has prevented me from posting this anywhere near on time, but I’m determined to keep this up through 2020. So, while I might run behind, I won’t run off.

Again, I begin with the earliest entries from my days at Mars Hill College, when I was a 19-year-old flute major and lived on the second floor in Spilman Hall.

Captain’s Log: Stardates 012.478-012.578 [Tuesday-Wednesday, January 24-25, 1978]

These past two days have been the usual. The only thing out of the ordinary was that yesterday I went to audition for “The New Beginning Singers.” I haven’t gotten word on the results ye but Anna said I did real well.

Today went about the same. I mailed off an application to the Presbytery of Concord, to work at Camp Grier. It would be really great to get a job out there. Tonight, Yogi and I went to see “Heroes.” It is a really good flick.

Well, I’ll inhale a few Z’s right now and resume the log tomorrow night 012.678. . . .

Here are pictures of Yogi and me. Both of us worked at the Mars Hill College radio station. I don’t think I’m at work in my picture, but Yogi definitely is. During our freshman year, he roomed with Phill Shuford, and the two of them were across the hall from Johnny Sawyer and me. I can’t remember his last name or where he was from. Pennsylvania maybe? I remember he had only nine toes because one had been lost in a lawnmower accident.

I don’t know if this visit to see Heroes was the time that the following took place, but I had what was probably my life’s most overtly heroic moment while going to the old Plaza Theatre to see a movie with Yogi. I don’t remember the exact layout of the area in those days, but I know that Yogi and I were walking from our parking space from downhill and to the left of the photograph below. A young woman pulled up and stopped her car just where you see the back of the car in the photo. She got out and went around the back of her car to go to the ticket booth. As she crossed the sidewalk, the car apparently slipped out of PARK or, if in NEUTRAL, the emergency break failed or something. The car began to roll forward toward the downhill slope that led to the police station and courthouse.

Yogi and I saw what was happening and ran forward, just as the passenger-side wheels of the car jumped up on the curb. We thought that when the car hit a metal No Parking sign on the sidewalk it would either stop or slow down enough that we could push from the front to stop it. Yogi approached the front of the passenger side, leaving me the driver’s side. We were wrong about what we thought would happen. The car was one of those large cars of the 1970s, a Buick or something like that. It hit the sign as we put our hands on the front, but it just bent the sign to the ground and kept going. Yogi had to peel off helplessly to the passenger side to get out of the way. The car began to pick up speed as the grade increased, heading straight for a big light pole on the corner above the police station. I ran alongside the car, hoping that it would maintain a more-or-less straight course. In my peripheral vision I could see Yogi standing and watching and the young woman frantically running down the hill behind.

At some point in all this, I realized an older woman was in the passenger seat, and she was screaming, “Stop the car! Stop the car!”

The runaway was about thirty feet from the light pole when I finally got my hand on the handle and pulled the door open and dove in. As the old woman kept screaming, I righted myself in the driver’s seat, took the wheel, guided the vehicle off the sidewalk — just a few feet short of the pole — and braked it to a stop with a screeching of tires that brought a handful of Asheville’s finest running up from the station.

I looked at the old woman and asked if she was all right. She was, and she was very appreciative, as was her daughter when I stood up out of the car. The police were, of course, less appreciative and more suspicious about what was going on. I think I summed it up for them in a few words and turned back up the hill to join Yogi and head for the ticket booth. We didn’t want to be late for our movie.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 012.678 [Thursday, January 26, 1978]

I had my first rehearsal with the New Beginning Singers anoche. Tim Taylor and I are Tenor I. I hope I can stay with this group, and I think I can if they don’t try to press beliefs on me or make me pray or witness. That’s were I get off ’cause the Lord didn’t give me a tounge (whatever) for witness (I think that’s what I mean). Well, I think I’ll try to get ahold of G——— this weekend, unless some miracle happens around here. . . .

I have no real memory of the New Beginning Singers, so maybe I didn’t stay with it for long. (I’m typing this before I continue transcribing, so I might learn more about it later.)

And I need to add tongue to my list of words I couldn’t spell.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 012.778 [Friday, January 27, 1978]

I’m really tired of everyday [sic] being a carbon copy of the last. Hopefully that’ll change next week. . . .

The words every and day should only be one word where used as an adjective: everyday routine, everyday shoes, etc. I make much fun of the regional grocery chain Food City for its slogan “Value Everyday,” which is way wrong. “Everyday Value” would work, but to phrase it like they have it requires “Value Every Day.” Where one refers to something that happens or is present day by day, the phrase should be two words: every day. Obviously, I haven’t always known this. But I learned it and know it now, so I reserve the right — I’ve earned the right — to continue making fun of Food City. (Please read this as I wrote it, with tongue firmly planted in cheek.)

Captain’s Log: Stardate 012.878 [Saturday, January 28, 1978]

Today was a “take it easy” day at home. I’m doing next to nothing, because I know that when Wednesday rolls around it’s “work city” until May. I’m glad classes are starting ’cause I’m really looking forward to this semester.

Tonight I went to Reynolds to watch Joey play ball. He did well and scored 10 points. The team was right with the Rockets until Todd got thrown out of the game in the 2nd quarter, and that was worse ’cause it wasn’t even Todd’s fault. Oh well. . . .

These days I was finding so boring were days when Mars Hill College was in its January “mini-mester” — a two-three week period when students took one special-interest course. I took handbells. The Wednesday I was anxious for was the day when the regular spring semester began.

The Reynolds Rockets was the favorite team of my friend (and preacher) Mike Tweed (and his family). I’m sure I was hanging out with them. Reynolds was — still is — a much bigger school than Madison.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 012.978 [Sunday, January 29, 1978]

Well, here I am, back at school. I went with the Youth Group to see the “Late Great Planet Earth” this evening. I had P——— with me in the car and we had a pretty good time. Maybe I’ll ask her out soon.

Richard Dreyfuss got “Best Actor for a Comedy or Musical” in the Golden Globe Awards tonight, Primo!!!

Tomorrow I go to register for the spring semester and I hope I don’t have much to change. . . .

The last time I saw P——— was when I played a house concert in Durham, North Carolina, on Saturday, December 1, 2012. She showed up out of the blue, and Leesa and I enjoyed seeing her. She doesn’t walk planet Earth any longer, and that’s all I’ll say about her.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 013.078 [Monday, January 30, 1978]

The Lord has been so good to me! While it seems all the people around me have to go through the hassel [sic] of corrective registration, all of my classes were accepted. I still think I’ll drop Golf. I’m really gonna be busy.

I’ve gotten off my application to Camp Grier and have also written Camp Cheerio. Hopefully, one of these will provide me with some exciting summer work.

I got a letter from Kelly today saying that she wants me to come down as soon as possible. I suppose it’ll be the weekend of the 24th, 25th, and 26th [of February 1978]. I’m really looking forward to it.

Two years later, I was 21 and making my first sojourn in Nashville, a music business major at Belmont College.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 012.680 [Saturday, January 26, 1980]

It’s Saturday and the morning of my Opryland audition. I’m up now trying to get my voice loosened. I probably won’t go over there ’till [sic] about noon. I know there are prayer at home about this and I have turned everything over to the will of God. I’m gonna do my best with all of the talents He gave me and the decision is up to Him.

It has been a good week. I had a studio test Tuesday; Wednesday, I don’t think I did much; Thursday I went to the Jolly Ox with Taylor and his sister where I met a lot of people, including the band, the KNott Brothers, two of which go to school at Belmont and the other sang at Opryland a couple of summers ago when I was there. They were really good. Yesterday, I think I aced a CMH test and last night I ate at Friday’s with Beth Forbis, prima-donna Southern Bell [sic] from the trip to Europe last summer.

Today I’m trying to remain calm for the task at hand. I think voice is where I should have been all along. It’s my natural gift. The flute makes me work so I think studying it was good. I was never technically prepared for any of my flute things, but in voice I’m ready . . .

Captain’s Log: Stardate 012.680 [supplemental entry]

Well, I suffered my first let down in the “big city” today . . . one of the biggest let downs of my life. Obviously, I didn’t make Opryland. I did my best, not that I don’t think I was good enough, I just think they pretty well had all they wanted and didn’t need any more of my style.

It was kind of funny thought . . . I was getting into it as usual and I hear this small voice “Michael” and I suddenly realized they were through listening. I said OK. It was like Monty Python “Thank you”. I don’t mind saying I was crushed and hardly knew what to do. I just felt like God had turned his back and walked off on me. I forgot who I was and though and and did somethings [sic] I shouldn’t have. Then I finally realized that there is something better down the road for me. NOt having that job will give me more time this summer, I only pray the Lord will let me have a regular park job. Extra time will be good for school, peddling songs, etc. Maybe the Reasons auditions will turn out a bit better. The Opryland experience will be good for a joke someday should I ever make it big and play Opryland. It also gives me greater incentive to go on and, thought I hate to say it, shove their audition down their throat . . .

Looking back on this Opryland failure, I’ve realized a couple of things about it. First, given the nature of its shows, Opryland wasn’t really looking for singers (or songwriters) but for performers. A singing actor or a dancer with a good voice — even if he couldn’t play guitar — had a much greater chance of being hired than I did. I’ve never been that kind of performer, and as far as “putting on a show” goes, I’ve never been much at that anyway, even after all these years on stage.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 012.880 [Monday, January 28, 1980]

Today has been a good day. School was the usual descent [sic]. Tonight was the good time. I went to hear Christine [Wyrtzen] and Phil Johnson in concert tonight. I talked to Phil for about 10 minutes or so and I was really proud of myself. Putting myself through the Opryland audition was good for me ’cause I started not to go speak to him but then I decided that would be foolish so I went. He talked about his good friends Dallas and Tim and that flipped me out. I also learned that the way to get into gospel writing [is that] I’m gonna have to quit sitting waiting for inspiration are read the Word! Also, Dallas will be here July 4 or so . . .

Again, two years pass to find me 23 and living back in North Carolina, at the homeplace in Walnut.

Captain’s Log Stardate 8201.28 [Thursday, January 28, 1982]

I’m feeling a little better since my last entry [8201.21 / Thursday, January 21, 1982]. Mom and Dad have been at Jerry’s so I’ve had peace and quiet solitude here. Still, things are about the same as they were. I’m sure I’ll make it.

K——— was home this past weekend and we had a pretty good time together. We didn’t do a lot, mainly just sat around each other’s house.

Yesterday, or last night, I finished One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich so that may have been what has helped me feel better. It is such a powerful story of everyday survival and I’m very glad I read it.

I started working on a song tonight called “First Love” about the fun and mystery of it. However, it brings up the question, again, about what I should and should not write. I don’t want to write anything to lead kids or anyone else astray or anything that might be taken wrong. I want to write this song because I think it will be good but I’m going to have to be careful. It’s no secret to me that teen-age sex is a reality (I know it first hand), however, I don’t want the song to sound like I’m encouraging it so I’d better take it slow and be sure it say[s] only what it ought to.

From what I hear, Earl will be leaving for Europe tomorrow. I don’t know if that means he’ll be back later or not. I only hope he got Ron’s and my money fixed before he leaves. He’ll be going with our man from Townhouse so I hope they make big plans for me.

Meanwhile, Earl spent last weekend with Jerry Reed on a house boat and they listened to my stuff and from what I hear, Jerry really liked it. I’m not supposed to know this but JR also said that if things worked out well with the record he would like to take me on tour with him when he goes on the road this fall. This news flash may also be part of my feeling better these days.

Tomorrow Ron and I will be going to Daton, Ga. [sic] to pick up Shana so Ron can keep her for a couple of weeks. It doesn’t look like he and Patty can make amends.

Time for my devotional . . .

From my days at Mars Hill College, I had the idea of being a college professor (at some point) in mind. But I knew that I would have to go back to school to do that. And I intended to. But such tempting — distracting — little tidbits of hope as the Jerry Reed bit above always had me feeling like the beautiful highway to fame and fortune began just around the next bend in my dirt road. I’d already quit in the middle of my first semester at UNCA (Fall 1980), and I thought it probably wouldn’t be good to do that again. So, I never got started back to school.

Captain’s Log Stardate 8301.25 [Tuesday, January 25, 1983]

I didn’t realize it had been so long since my last entry. A lot of things have come and gone but the song remains the same. I’ve been in New York to meet people at Audio and see Tina and have a photo session . . . Cindy and Lynn and I set up house . . . I went home for Thanksgiving and turned 24 . . . Jack came right after the holiday and stayed a week then I went to California for 10 days . . . Tina, Linda and I joined the CA kids. My last weekend, Jack and I went to San Diego and stayed with Joy (what a crazy girl). We, Jack and I, spent a day in Mexico (Tijuana & Ensenada), then spent the next afternoon at the zoo with Joe and that night we had a real party all over San Diego with Earl Parker and a friend whose name escapes me right now [Chris] . . . I came back to Nashville and then went home for Christmas . . . When I came back I filed bankruptsy [sic]. I’ve been working at Earl’s office a lot and writing a good deal also. I think there are 11 new songs. Earl is in Europe at MIDEM but I don’t know where my record is at the moment, somewhere in the hot little hands of CBS I think. It is all just too hard to follow. There is Audio Records with Earl, Marty, Helen, and Jack W, and I don’t know who else . . . There is Zoo York records headed by the famous discoverer of talent, John Hammond . . . finally there is CBS. There is really no telling when “Fiesta” will be out but I continually wonder what kind of response it will get from the public, if it gets any at all. It’s too far out of my hands now . . .

Tina, Jack, and Linda are longtime friends met in that fateful European summer of 1979. Lynn and Cindy were singing sisters I shared a house with in Hendersonville, Tennessee, as I began my second and longer sojourn in Nashville.

Here are a couple of photos. First, from a Nashville photo session from around this time. The photo session in the post above took place in a loft in New York City. The photographer thought I was coming across as too tense, so he had me smoke some marijuana to relax. That must have worked, because I remember he even talked me into taking my shirt off for a few shots. All remained innocent — except for the smoking of pot, of course. But my naiveté was showing.

Here’s a picture that blends two parts of my life at that time. I’m with Earl Richards here, in his office, and I’m wearing a souvenir from my journey into Mexico with Jack.

Moving on, I was 26 years and a couple of months old in early 1985.

Captain’s Log Stardate 8501.27 [Sunday, January 27, 1985]

Since 8501.11 [Friday, January 11, 1985] there have been some interesting things going on in my general life. I attended the Music City News Songwriters awards with a girl named Deborah Doran who works for Alabama’s manager, Dale Morris. The day of the show, lead singer Randy Owen decided not to give away his comp tickets to friends and gave them to Deborah. We had second row seats. The show was live to Nashville and taped for other cities. I talked to Mom tonight and the show was on there last night. I was on TV several times and she was quite excited.

Last weekend, 8501.19 [Saturday, January 19, 1985], Noel, Mike Scalf and I went all the way to Greensboro, NC to catch another show by Mr. Bruce Springsteen and what a show it was. I think I’ll always remember the solo accoustic [sic] version of “No Surrender”. I spent the evening before the show with Joe, Carol, and John Johnson and we spent the night after the show a[t] Joe & Carol’s place in Salisbury. When we got up the weather had turned foul so we had to put Noel’s truck in 4-wheel drive and head home. By the way, we were dashing through the snow while the 49’ers were defeating the Dolphins 38-16 in the Superbowl. The happening that brought the most change to my immediate surroundings was Earl’s decision to move the office and I had to find a new place to live. Fortunately, Pat Gossum moved out of Noel’s house in Brentwood so there was an easy opening. Today was my first full day at 7036 Concord Rd. in Brentwood. I really like these guys alot [sic] but I’m afraid trying not to disturb them is going to inhibit my writing. We’ll just have to wait and see. Meanwhile, back in NC, Dad had an operation last week to unclog one of the main arteries to his brain. He had been experiencing some numbness in his limbs for the last few weeks and this has hopefully corrected that. He sounded fine on the phone tonight. Ernie was back in the hospital recently and making a slow recovery from intestinal blockage. She’s had a lot of problems recently so the family decided Mama Reeves would have to go to a nursing home. I’ve been hoping this would never happen, praying she would pass on before this point could be reached. I guess it must be some will of the Lord’s. She is in a home only 3 minutes from Mac in Shelby so she’ll probably get excellent care. He has several church members there so the staff will always be on their toes knowing that he could walk in at anytime. My fear is that I shall never see my Mama Reeves alive again. It is difficult . . .

Again, sadly, I have no real memory of Deborah Doran or Dale Morris or attending the Music City Songwriters awards ceremony, which I must have been really jazzed about. I heard a story that at one point Alabama’s producer Harold Shedd was interested in my music. But then he found out that I was involved with Earl Richards and apparently that involvement made him disinclined to pursue me any further than his initial interest. Maybe it was through Deborah Doran and/or Dale Morris that my music briefly made it to Shedd’s ears.

Moving on, I was 27 years old as I lived through events of January 1986.

Captain’s Log Stardate 8601.28 [Tuesday, January 28, 1986]

This morning I got a call from Noel between 11:30 and 12:00N wanting confirmation on his hearing that the space shuttle had blown up in take off this morning. I got up and turned on the TV and there it was. I tuned into the section where a camera was on the faces of the parents of Kristie McCauliffe, a school teacher from Concord, New Hampshire who was the first civilian to go into space. Her parents were watching the liftoff and I don’t really think they knew what had happened. The shuttle made it up a few miles before the explosion. It’s odd, because all morning my sleep was troubled by a dream that people I knew were on an airplane coming into some airport and I was meeting them. I watched as the plane caught a wing on the ground or something and smashed up into this huge building. I found out my friends were not on that plane but I still woke up with a great sadness and then I learned about the shuttle. I am saddened. I think I’ll go for a drive in the country today, down to Franklin maybe . . . The good news today is that R——— gave birth to a son and mother and child are doing fine. He was born early in the morning. I can’t remember her husband’s last name but it’s easy to remember the name given the baby. It is called Robert Cody. I just realized that baby could so easily have been mine. Am I an idiot? I don’t know. She was pretty but young and too close to my situation. Was it my one chance? I hope not. Anyway I am very happy for the whole family. It’s one more thing to come between Earl and getting his business done. I do feel like it’s over between us except for the actual break. I believe that I will make it one way or another but I’m not so sure about him. I would still like nothing better than for us to happen together . . .

When I wrote “that baby could so easily have been mine,” I didn’t mean to imply that any physical act potentially leading to fatherhood had taken place. My feeling — accurate or not — was that R——— had a bit of a crush on me, so that phrase meant to capture the possibilities such a crush might have led to.

It’s snowing outside the window of my office as I write this. I don’t expect it to amount to much, but it’s certainly cold out. Here’s a picture from January of ’85, I think, taken from the porch of the homeplace in Walnut.

My friends at Riverside Taphouse booked me for my second show in their great place in Elizabethton, Tennessee. This was my second appearance there. While I’ve enjoyed both, I think this one was in some ways better than the first, due to the fact that I was set up in their barroom rather than in a tent out back. (But don’t get me wrong — the tent had its charms.)

The Riverside Taphouse is owned by my former ETSU honors student Cheri Tinney and her husband Michael, who are terrific folks and terrific hosts. I wish them all the best in this brave endeavor.

I used my performer’s bar tab to relish three glasses of Highland’s Oatmeal Stout over the course of the two-set evening, and I enjoyed playing a new song — “So Much Depends” (not yet recorded).

Although I didn’t know any of the Taphouse’s regulars, they were mostly welcoming. (See picture at bottom for why I say “mostly”; the young man did, however, like my coat.) And I was pleased to have a number of friendly faces in the crowd: Leesa (of course), Sam & Sharon, Teresa & Randy, Phyllis & David, Susan & Michael, Theresa & Tim, Jen & Jeff (both former honors students as well), Loretta, Scott, Tom, and Joe — I hope I didn’t forget anybody.

First Set:

• The Light in Your Eyes
• Genesis Road
• Fiesta
• There Was Always a Train
• Heart of Gold
• The Street I Live On
• Empty Islands
• The Bells of Vimperk
• So Much Depends
• Jamboree

Second Set:

• She’s a Wild One
• Best I’ve Ever Seen
• Brandy
• You’ve Got Something I Need
• Complaints
• Dizzy from the Distance
• Fresh Horses
• Lean on Me
• Rain on the River
• Homecoming

Unless you’re like the guy below, you can check out these songs — most of them — on my Soundcloud page.

I’ll begin again back in the days of Mars Hill College. In January 1978, I was 19 years old and a flute major. Recently on Facebook I became friends with my high school band director, Bill Stell. He gave me the opportunity to play flute when the band program began at Madison High School when I was in the 10th grade. I wanted to play drums, but Mr. Stell just said no (as I remember it). He wanted me to play tuba (actually sousaphone, I guess) because I have thick lips. I remember telling him that I would but that I would like to buy a flute through the music program Dunham’s Music offered. So, I got my flute and learned it at home while listening to Jethro Tull. Over the next few weeks, the sousaphones that were on order for the new program didn’t come and didn’t come. Mr. Stell finally said that he was tired of seeing me sit around during band and do nothing, adding that I should bring in my flute just to have something to do instead of being a “limp dishrag somebody threw across a chair.” I brought the flute in, and that was that — I was a flutist-in-the-making.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 011.778 [Tuesday, January 17, 1978]

Today: No different from the rest. I did go to the music building and practice for an hour-and-a-half. Then I talked to A——— for a while; she’s really nice. Tomorrow I’ll probably practice two hours . . . .

A——— was the pianist — also a freshman — who accompanied my flute pieces that weren’t written for solo flute.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 011.878 [Wednesday, January 18, 1978]

I’m so bored. Watch TV and lay around, that’s no fun. Tom came up tonight which helped out the day . . . .

Tom DuVall was a high school friend. We went through periods of playing music together, which was always fun. I remember a time when we sat at his house and for some reason we were trying to whistle in harmony. We couldn’t do it. Not because we couldn’t do it, but because as soon as we got it right we’d break out into smiles. You can’t whistle when you’re smiling! We once wrote a song together: “Don’t Keep Running Away.” And the opening story in my manuscript collection of short fiction is based on an experience Tom had one winter’s night when he was coming from his house in Marshall to mine in Walnut.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 011.978 [Thursday, January 19, 1978]

Today was fairly decent. This morning we had some of the most beautiful snow, there were flakes as big as a fifty-cent piece. Other than that the day was the usual. Kenny and me went to see “The Late Great Planet Earth.” It was good and was pretty revealing about the future of our world here. Mike & Bobbie recommended we read the book to really get down to the meaning. I’ve also got another book called “Before the Last Battle” which I feel inspired to read now. Tomorrow’s Friday and I can’t wait to get done for the weekend . . . .

I’m guessing that I was referring to Kenny Ray, a friend I went to school with from Walnut’s short summer kindergarten through high school graduation. I thought he’d gone to UNC-Chapel Hill, but maybe he was with me at Mars Hill. Or maybe UNC hadn’t started its spring semester yet. Funny how the memory completely lets go of some things and not others.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 012.078 [Friday, January 20, 1978]

It’s finally Friday and I’m goin’ home. I’m looking forward to a pretty easy weekend . . . .

Looking back, it doesn’t seem like the weeks that January were particularly difficult. How much difference could the weekend make?

Captain’s Log: Compiled Stardates 012.178-012.278 [Saturday-Sunday, January 21-22, 1978]

Well I had a real good weekend. Snow kept the roads pretty bad so I didn’t get to go much of any place so I just hung around the house and practiced quite a bit.

My biggest event this weekend was getting a letter from Kelly Brady. She wants me to come and spend the weekend with her sometime. I’m really looking forward to that. She’s such a nice girl in many more ways than uno!

I’ve got this strange urge to work on A———, my accompanist for last jury. You might call it more of a hunch I guess. Well I believe I’ll retire for the night.

Kelly Brady was a girl I met when I was a boy in the White Water Band. She was from Greensboro, but we — the band and I — met her and a lot of other girls one wild summer week of playing a few nights at a campground in Myrtle Beach. You can read about it here. It is the stuff of legend — in my mind at least.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 012.378 [Monday, January 23, 1978]

It’s been an easy day. I guess the biggest thing is what I’m looking forward to doing. They are going to Kelly’s for a weekend, going to George and Betty’s for a week, working at a summer camp, and going to Minnesota in August . . . .

I remember going to Kelly’s in Greensboro. It was the weekend of an ice storm in that area. While I can hardly even recall what Kelly looked like (very blonde hair, I know) or what we did that weekend, I can remember watching the ice grow into a fantastic shape streaming from the sideview mirror as I drove I-40 East toward her place.

I probably went to George and Betty’s in Elizabeth City for a week at some point, but I didn’t work at the summer camp or go to Minnesota for a long time after that.

At 19 in 1978, I seem to have had no idea that two years later — at 21 in January 1980 — I’d be living in Nashville, Tennessee.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 012.080 [Sunday, January 20, 1980]

Well, I’m back in Nashville after a weekend at home. Saturday I saw Ed, Keith, Phill, and spent most of the day in Asheville with K———.

I had a joyfully uneventful trip back tonight and spent most of the time, after I got here, studying Accounting and will soon start CMH. I hope this will be a good week for the kid . . .

And two years after being a 21-year-old Belmont College music business student, I was 23 and singer-songwriter and newly signed with a small Nashville music publishing and production company.

Captain’s Log Stardate 8201.19 [Tuesday, January 19, 1982]

Delays and more delays! Earl has had problems with collecting money so as a result both mine and Ron’s checks have bounced. Then, in trying to right the whole thing, recording was postponed[;] now things look like it will be February before we start. I’m being patient enough I guess but we’ve had snows and ice storms so I’ve been cooped up here at the house for quite a while and now have a definite case of cabin fever; I’m stark raving stir crazy. I keep thinking about the album and what I’m gonna be able to get on tit and what it’s gonna come out sounding like . . . I’m about to explode! I’ve almost finished a rocker called “Some Kind of Magic” and I feel I’d like to record it; if need be in the place of “Fallin’ For You Again”. Also, there is a new slow ballad called “Just Can’t Find the Words” and I’d like to put it on the album. So many to choose from now that I cannot allow, if at all possible, anything outside of my own to show up on the record.

Mom is better these days and I hope is continuing to improve. I don’t want to talk about it much.

The romantic front is bleak as ever. C——— is the only one near and of course there is no future for that other than the great platonic relationship we have now. Everyone else I know is so far away. There’s a girl in Richmond, in New York City, in Toronto, in LA . . . I feel totally alone now and see no way out at this time because I don’t play the singles game and don’t have any oppurtunity [sic] to meet anyone at all. So, here sit I, the lonely man songs are made of but I try not to write sad songs so much anymore because that’s not what I want to do for people. Sure, they need sad songs to relate to and know others feel the same way but they also need the happy and hopeful to make them forget and know better day[s] are coming. All that aside, I am still a lonely heart, just me and my songs and my albums.

On the religious front, I feel there is some sort of battle raging over my soul. I keep wanting to really sit down and sort out my feelings toward God and Jesus, and to rethink my priorities a bit . . . a lot. There are times when I’m afraid that music and the things associated with it are becoming a god to me, obstructing my view of my true Father and my Savior Jesus the Christ. It is a great need of mine to stop and think this through but I can’t seem to stop my mind racing this way and that to think at all. I just hope the Lord understands and gives me time to come together. I know it’ll be alright . . .

Captain’s Log Stardate 8201.21 [Thursday, January 21, 1982]

“The Waiting is the hardest part” . . . TOM PETTY and waiting is all I seem to be doing these days; waiting to finish songs; waiting to start my album; waiting to get my money; waiting for love; waiting for the tomorrow that things will get better. It is said tomorrow never comes but I hope this time it will at least show itself. As I write this, Earl is trying to get my and Ron’s money back together, after which (hopefully it will be after the money is taken care of), he will be leaving for MIDEM ’82 in Europe (business) and he’ll be gone for 11 days. So that means if he leaves as he plans on 8201.25, he won’t return until 8202.06 which in turn means it will be at least that long before I can go to Nashville to start my life.

I have a lot of fear about this whole life. First, I fear what my music will turn out as in comparison w/ what I have heard it in my soul as being. I’m not sure Earl will want what I want and as a result, since he’s the boss, my music may soon be less my music. Second, I fear playing to the acceptance of the public: what will their reaction be if any? When the single of “Daisy” goes out, will anyone care at all for the heart and soul of my child? Can I accept the fact that it probably won’t go to #1, that it might not even make the HOT 100 or that it may not eve be played at all. Can I be satisfied with what does or does not happen? Third, I fear the stage, not the performing but the relating, no not really even the relating but rather the entertaining. Sure I can entertain my circle of friends but that’s easy because the[y] love me for myself and my music for being mine. Can I step out front and take a song or story and make people laugh or cry? Make them feel joy? pain? soothing? exhilaration? Fourth, I fear longevity. Can I write enough good songs to successfully sustain a career for 5 years? 10? 20 or 30? Fifth and last, I fear myself. I am very weak and I am afraid I might all too easily get caught up in myself, my music, my public, and/or “the business”. Might I become to[o] caught up in these things and their “busy-ness” and forget who I am and, more importantly, whose I am?

I fear all these things but not as much as I fear failure before even beginning. I don’t want to become a bitter, reclusive, untrusting soul at the tender age of 23. I feel so destined for all the good things I could dream of, could I accept the loss or alteration of those dreams.

With things like they are here at home coupled with the waitings and fears for my future, I feel I am about to explode and sometimes I wish I could and would . . .

Midem is described in this way: “Launched in 1967, Midem is dedicated to helping the music industry and its partners develop business and creativity by bringing together the key players of the music ecosystem over four days in Cannes.”

Although “Daisy” was the first song to catch the ears of people in Nashville, “Fiesta” was the one that emerged from the recording sessions to be the single.

Five years later, in January 1987, I was 28 years old, the age my son Raleigh is right now.

Captain’s Log Stardate 8701.18 [Sunday, January 18, 1987]

Unfortunately again I have let time pass between entries but things have been pretty even so I guess it’s OK. Things are going well. The holidays were fun and low key which is the way I like it these days. I mainly just did the family thing at Christmas and hung around with K——— a little. Sometimes I find it disappointing that I am not turned on by her. We are good friends which is most but not all of what really matters in life-long love. I thought about Leesa an awful lot while I was home but I did not make contact with her other than saying “Hello” through Wayne and Walda and sending her a card. I know that would have great difficulty working out if we were both free to try it but I’m haunted by the big question, “What would sex have been like with someone you love and are attracted to that much?” I hope I learn the answer one day but I don’t expect it to be from her. I did get another song from the deal, “The Best I’ve Ever Seen”. I really like it. It was also based partly on emotions felt as I finished another Larry McMurtry book Leaving Cheyenne. What a great writer and story!

The band is coming together slowly. We’ve got Ron Harvey in as bass player. It feels good and we will soon start woodshedding material.

Dad had chest pains a couple of weeks ago and will be having a triple by-pass surgery on Wednesday so I’ll spend next week in N. Carolina. I’m confident that things will work out well but there is a slightly hair-raising sensation about the whole ordeal.

I am still remaining in touch with A——— and J———. Hopefully there will be more options come down the line this year, even though I’d marry J——— in a heartbeat given the chance.

Christian artist Margaret Becker recorded a rewritten version of “Break the Silence” as the title of her LP debut. I wish now I’d gotten more involved with the rewrite but I blew it off . . .

So, I guess Dad had heart surgery on January 21, 1987. He was 55 years old. Wow! That’s six years younger than I am now. Somewhere along the line, somebody told me that such by-pass surgeries last about 10 years and then have to be redone in some way. Dad walked on just short of ten years after this surgery, on Thursday, November 7, 1996.

To end on a better note than the above, I did, in fact, learn what sex was like with somebody that I love and am powerfully attracted to. And it was, in fact, Leesa.

The website of Knoxville’s eclectic radio station WDVX describes Wordstream: The Weekly Writer’s Voice this way: “The Weekly Writer’s Voice takes places every Friday, 12-1pm, on the WDVX stage in the Knoxville Visitors Center. The show features poets, novelists, play excerpts, and more with hosts Linda Parsons and Stellasue Lee.” Sometime in the middle of 2019, my colleague Alan Holmes shared (via Facebook) Wordstream‘s announcement that it was beginning to book programs for 2020. I immediately contacted Linda Parsons, a poet I’d heard much about from Alan and other ETSU colleagues, to enquire about being booked. Linda responded — with poet Stellasue Lee — quickly and enthusiastically and generously. We set up 17 January 2020 as a good day for the show — if the winter weather cooperated. I would play some songs and read some from Gabriel’s Songbook, and Alan would come along to play rhythm guitar alongside me.

I found Linda and Stellasue to be just as gracious, enthusiastic, and supportive in person as they’d been via email. They made Alan and me welcome. And a youngster named Johnny — a Pellissippi State CC student — made us sound good!

We began with some songs:

• “Landscapes”
• “Genesis Road”
• “She’s a Wild One”
• “Big Shoes” — I don’t often get to do “Big Shoes” live, because most places I play are a bit too loud for it. But the Wordstream audience was filled with listening ears, which I so appreciated.
• “Jamboree”

We’d planned to do “Rain on the River,” “Complaints,” and “The Bells of Vimperk,” but when we finished “Jamboree” I looked at my watch and saw that it was time to begin the reading portion of the show.

I read two sections from Gabriel’s Songbook:

• from “Chapter 4: Dancing on Air”: selected passages leading up to Gabriel’s writing of “Best I’ve Ever Seen,” which Alan and I then played.
• from “Chapter 21: Homecoming”: Gabriel sings his song “Homecoming” during the offertory for the homecoming service at the church where he grew up. Alan and I played the song, and then I read a passage featuring Gabriel and mountain fiddler Delbert Gunter. The scene takes place first in the Piney Ridge Methodist Church, across the river from Runion, and second behind the church, at the edge of its cemetery — all modeled very much after the Walnut Methodist Church and its cemetery. (Check out this homemade video of “Homecoming” that features many of the real-life things the novel is about.)

We ended the program with “There Was Always a Train.”

Linda and Stellasue treated Alan and me to an after-show lunch at Babalu in downtown Knoxville. Back at the car, which was parked beneath a wonderful mural, we took one more picture before Alan and I hit the road back to Johnson City.

Thanks again to Linda Parsons and Stellasue Lee for being such gracious hosts. I’m happy to return to the Wordstream stage any time!

Leesa and I just returned, on Tuesday, from a brief run to Nashville, where we visited friends and she strolled with me down Memory Lane — otherwise known, in this instance, as Music Row. We’d driven up and down 16th and 17th Avenues before, and I’d pointed out this place or that, but, of course, in those situations the place has already gone past before the significance or even the identification of it fully registers. She liked walking around with me, where we could stop in front of a house where I used to live and take a couple of pictures.

I took a deep dive into memory during the two-day visit, and the sense of it has stayed with me through these revisitations to my journals from 1978 (when Nashville still lay hidden over the horizon), from 1980, 1985, and 1986.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 011.078 [Tuesday, January 10, 1978]

Here is today: got up _ wasted time _ handbell class _ wasted time _ band _ went home _ and here I am back at school. It’s not been very exciting to say the least, but the Lord has been very good to me in all he has given.

I think I’ve figured my hesitation with G——— out. It’s like dating someone new and old at the same time. It’s easy to date someone completely new because each experience is getting to know them. With G———, I’ve known her for a long time, yet I’m having to build a whole new relationship; kind of hard for me at least. . . .

Captain’s Log: Stardate 011.178 [Wednesday, January 11, 1978]

Time passes on here at MHC but there’s nothing to pass the time, if ya know what I mean. We sat around tonight looking for something to do and might well have gone crazy had it not been for some descent [sic] TV. Oh well, all that’s behind now and I’ll get some sleep and do it all again tomorrow. Nothing profound tonight except that I’m alive, well, and living in. . . .

I learned in this gathering of journal entries that I had difficulties spelling decent and loneliness. They’re good words, but I consistently misspelled them.

Captain’s Log: Compiled Stardates 011.278-011.478 [Thursday-Saturday, January 12-14, 1978]

Never have I seen such uneventful days! I had more than this to do last year when I was at home for a month with not even a class to go to. I guess I could get out and sled, play pinball, or hang around at the snackbar, but there’s no use knocking myself out if I don’t really want to. I’ll almost be glad to get back into a full schedule of classes. Well, I’m gonna go home now. . . .

Captain’s Log: Stardate 011.578 [Sunday, January 15, 1978]

Well, today was Super Bowl Sunday. I went to Mike’s and watched Dallas beat Denver 27-10. Last night, it snowed about 6 inches on top of the two or three we already had, so we didn’t have SS and church this morning.

Last night, as Joe and I walked around in the snow, I lost all of my keys. That’s the breaks. . . .

Captain’s Log: Stardate 011.678 [Monday, January 16, 1978]

Another day gone with the wind. Yogi and I went to Marshall to have a couple of keys made then went to Asheville to the drug store. Later on, there was a knock on the door and it was Egbert with my keys. He said they were in Cloice’s truck but I am positive I had them at Steve’s, long after I was in Cloice’s truck. Therefore, I firmly believe the Lord just laid them in there in answer to my prayers.. Thank you Lord.

Tonight was no big deal. We saw a Woody Allen movie, “Take the Money and Run” which was pretty good.

I’ve got to find a girl and I pray that I find a good’un. . . . for he is able to give exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can ask or think. . . .

“Egbert” was the pet name for my younger cousin Mark Plemmons. His father’s name, Cloice, is pronounced, KLO-iss, for those of you who’ve never run across that name before. I have no idea where it came from, and I don’t remember ever having met another so named. The Nashville apartment house I moved to in January 1980 at some point had a Clovis, but that’s more common, I think.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 011.080 [Thursday, January 10, 1980]

Today has been a good day up until now at least. I had good classes this morning and all day actually. I spent my free time today doing a lead sheet for “Rhymes.” I’m gonna try to keep one of those projects going all the time. Tonight I studied accounting ’til I was blue in the face. Then I tried to write some but I was burnt, especially when I went to the ‘frig’ [sic] to get my last MD and it was gone. I’ve tried to tell myself, maybe I had the last today but I know it was there.

Well, I go to chapel tomorrow. I hope I’m sitting with some descent [sic] people.

I’ve been thinking about K——— and folks at home alot lately so tomorrow I go home. K——— sure has been on my mind alot lately. Now that I’m away from her it may be that I’ll fall in love with her. I’ll probably take her out this weekend. Better get some rest for the trip . . . when my life and writing is going wrong I think of Dallas and “I’ve never seen the Righteous forsaken”

• MD = Mountain Dew
• “chapel” was a regular, required gathering of Belmont College students for religious (Baptist) instruction. We had assigned seats, and attendance was taken. I remember mine being near the middle of a row near the back right of the auditorium. I thought the requirement was a bit archaic; Mars Hill College was also a Baptist institution, but I think its chapel requirement was long gone by the time I began there.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 011.180-011.380 [Friday-Sunday, January 11-13, 1980]

Today was . . . Wait, I have a whole weekend to report. I made the long drive home Friday OK. I spent the evening at home with the Plemmons’ [sic]. That night Joey said he and Charl were having problems but I think things have worked out OK[.] Saturday I spent most of the day with Ed, Laura, and Keith. I talked to Jobie, Stan, and Karen too. The boys from 013 — shdoobee went to see the Electric Horseman and it was really good.

Today was great until I left Mike’s at about 4:10. The drive was bad enough but when I had car trouble it was really bad. I got scared and nervous, then missed home and friends, then started crying. But as the tears fell I smiled as I remembered the words of Dallas Holm’s “He is There.” It was a good experience. I had a lump of lonliness [sic] in my throat for a long time after I got here but the Lord and my accounting homework got rid of that . . . sleepy now, ciao . . .

As Leesa and I were driving to Nashville on Sunday the 12th, we were descending the western side of the Cumberland Plateau as I told her about a night back in the ’80s when I was having car trouble in that area. The experience of January 13th described above seems exactly like what i was telling her. I was barely 21 and in the middle of seemingly nowhere. No cell phone. I remember the scare and the tears. But maybe I had two such experiences over the years of traveling that road, because one detail is missing. I don’t remember the assistance of the Dallas Holm song, but maybe that was the case. What I do remember distinctly — which doesn’t appear in the above relation — is that at my worst moment I looked off into the darkness north of the interstate and saw a brightly lit cross shining from some distant hilltop (or hillside). I calmed down. My car quit its misbehaving. I made it to Nashville safe and sound and thankful.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 011.480 [Monday, January 14, 1980]

All in all a good day today. I went to chapel and then had a good accounting class and Mulloy’s class was OK too. I spent most of the afternoon, it seemed on the pay phone, I go to get mine Wednesday and they’ll hook it up Thursday.

I got the pictures I’ve been looking for today and they were the best ever of 013. I can’t wait ’til the boys see them.

I called Dad tonight and he said to bring the car on home Friday so I’m gonna get out of my 1:00 class so I can get almost there before dark. Maybe I can get Joe and Steve to meet me in Knoxville and follow me in.

Oh yes, Pam called me yesterday. It was good to talk to her. She said they lost the tape and I just hope and pray it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

I’ve got my longest day tomorrow so I better get some sleep . . .

I’m thinking that the “Pam” referenced in this entry was Pam Furman, one of the California girls with me on the amazing AESU trip from the previous summer (1979).

Captain’s Log: Stardate 011.580 [Tuesday, January 15, 1980]

I just wanted to write a little this morning because of a dream I had. It was the first time I ever remember dreaming about Papa. In the dream a group of us are walking down the road and there he was on a horse come riding down from the field he was working in. I can’t remember exactly what he said. I just remember crying and asking how he was. I think he said he was well.

Captain’s Log: Stardate 011.580 [Continued]

“The Silence of the Mornin'” . . . Ed Huskey. I think it was about his favorite song and I was just listening to it.

I got quite a bit of work done today as far as my own stuff. I did music for “You and I” and finished and put music to “It’s Always Been You”. It’s been so lately that I’ve been putting chords in my book and I think soon I’ll record everyone and add another every time I finish. I also need to start my lead sheets. So far I only have “Rhymes”. I’m gonna ask Mr. Mulloy if its lead sheets are acceptable before I do all the rest.

I go pick up my phone tomorrow and I guess I’ll be just like the “Jerk” when the new phone book comes. Well, it’s really late . . .

Captain’s Log: Stardate 011.680 [Wednesday, January 16, 1980]

Well, it’s been an unbelievably average day . . . Seminar, class, eat, and study. The only things out of the ordinary were: I got my telephone today . . . 320-5051 Cody, Michael A. _ I had company for dinner . . . Taylor Binkly, my new next door neighbor _ I called Beth Forbis and talked to her quite a while . . . we’re gonna get together some time next week _ and I wrote many letters.

As you may have noticed, Beth is about the first girl I’ve mentioned since I came to Nashville. I’m trying not to think about it if possible ’cause it usually just makes me sick. I feel the good Lord will lead me to someone in due time so I’m just trying to trust Him in this right now. Not to say I haven’t seen and stared at several nice ‘uns I’m just . . .

Like Pam Furman, Beth Forbis was one of the girls from AESU 616. I saw her that one night in Nashville. She was going to college, but I can’t remember which one. Vanderbilt maybe.

Captain’s Log Stardate 8501.11 [Friday, January 11, 1985]

It is morning and I am still not all awake yet but I figured I’d write a little because at night I seem to work on songs to the point of exhaustion. Still they come slow and labored. I really must try to forget the record business all together so tI can concentrate on what I am writing . . .

Captain’s Log Supplimental [sic]

Today really turned out well. After I wrote my first entry, Jim wanted me and Billy Bob Shane to do a rough (office) version of the song we wrote (“On the Loose”) which turns out to be a descent [sic] little tune, I just say. Then Jim and I had ourselves a lunch at Shoney’s after which I walked around the mall for a while. When I got back to the office everyone looked at me all smiles and I was informed that Kin Vassey of Kenny Rogers Prods. had called with an enthusiastic review of “Real Love” which I blindly sent to LA a few months ago. I called Kin back because he had a suggestion for a possible change of a couple of bars in the chorus. He thought the tune was very good and told me I was a good writer and artist. I was naturally on a high. Kenny will be cutting sometime toward June so I think “Real Love” will definitely be considered. Also Kin said to send him anything I wanted and he gave me a code (K)* to put on the package so it was sure to get directly to him. Thanks God for all of this. I was so inspired even when I got off work that I was able to come home and finish a new song I’ve been wrestling with for a couple of weeks. Of course I’ll live with it a while but I think it’s done. I call it “Never Fade Away“, a positive love song (believe it or not) inspired by time spent recently with a certain Pyra Rochelle Slaven. it’s been a good day and now I’ll sleep . . .

* A K inside a circle.

33 years ago today — January 16, 2020 — was also a Thursday.

Captain’s Log Stardate 8601.16 [Thursday, January 16, 1986]

I guess the only big news is that I have moved to Cats #1 on West End and going at it full time. Due to concern over Earl’s financial situation and our arrangement, I decided to check on full-time work with Steve West so there you have it. I like it pretty well. The time flies faster because we generally stay so busy. Still not sure how this will affect my writing as I haven’t settled down enough yet to write.

I must stop here and confess the feelings that hit me when I wrote that last bit. It was a feeling of hopelessness. Why am I concerned about my writing? What is the point in it? It has gotten me nowhere really. There is little sense of accomplishment when a great song is finished and shoved into a drawer. There must be more. I don’t have a girl either. I know I would write regardless of where I was or what I was doing. Should I leave Nashville and go home or to California or to Maine and start building a life? I don’t want to give up but I can’t hold to the road much longer without some sense of direction.

Part of my depression is being alone. It’s tough to sit at Burger King’s drive-thru and watch the couple in the car behind you making out and laughing. It’s 12:30 AM and you’re all alone. I also get an odd feeling when Noel shows up with one of his beautiful new finds. I know fully that there is not one bit of vanity in him. I think it’s just the sheer beauty of a girl like Jan that gives me that slap of lonliness [sic].

Earl is in New York doing who knows what. I have tried to hold on to some faith in him but it is gone. I’ve used the big “if” in talking about him but I know now there is nothing he can do. I feel our relationship is doomed and if I am actually [to] make it in this business I must get away from him. I don’t know how that will work out but it has to.

On the lighter side, Jack and Leslie were on Headline Chasers on Tuesday and they won $2300 a piece! It was great to see them and hear them tell Wink M. stories I knew they had just made up.

Well, it’s time to shower up and head off to work . . .

More from my old Writing Life blog:

• Wednesday, January 10, 2007
• Friday, January 12, 2007
• Tuesday, January 15, 2008
• Saturday, January 10, 2009
• Sunday, January 11, 2009
• Wednesday, January 14, 2009
• Thursday, January 15, 2009
• Monday, January 10, 2010