That's a Rap

(Today's word will be in red and bold.)



Nowadays a lot of people are saying country music is no longer country; that it's more pop, more generic.  I understand that; there are quite a few songs that do sound more pop than what's considered country.  However, even what's considered "traditional" country,  (Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, etc.), isn't what "true" country started out as.  If it comes right down to it, even country isn't the root of music; classical, and other music was being made long before it went country.

It seems logical then that, like other genres of music, country is going to evolve, and incorporate other sounds and styles into itself; yes, even rap.

The first time I ever heard "country rap", was when Neal McCoy did "Hillbilly Rap", the Beverly Hillbillies theme done rap style.  Though the song is on one of McCoy's CD's, it was never a single on radio.

 Then there's Cowboy Troy, a member of  Big & Rich's Muzik Mafia; he calls his style 'hick-hop'.  He's released some of his music to country radio, most notably, "I Play Chicken with the Train".

Last year Jason Aldean had a hit with "Dirt Road Anthem", a song co-written by Colt Ford.  The song is mostly country, with a few lines done as rap.

Though known mainly as a songwriter, Colt Ford has put out several CD's that incorporate his southern views and values with rap.  Currently he has a single on the radio called "Back", which features Jake Owen.

"Back" is one of my favorite new songs right now; it's almost a perfect mix of country with rap.  Though Jake Owen is the better known name, Ford definitely can hold his own; and the two of them together do a great job.  Here's hoping Ford has a hit for himself with this song.

David Lee Murphy

I've been a fan of David Lee Murphy, (DLM), since 1995, when I first heard his music on the radio. There was just something about his voice that stood out, caught my attention, and had me hooked.

Living in the Pacific Northwest, the only songs I really heard on the radio were, "Party Crowd", "The Road You Leave Behind", and "Dust on the Bottle".

(Note: All videos are posted here. Push the arrow button at the bottom of the video screen to skip a song.)

When I got a computer, and connected to the internet, a whole new world opened up to me.

I was able to find information about my interests,(including DLM), and I met other David Lee Murphy fans online, from all over the U.S. and Canada. These new friends would go to shows, then send group emails to the others, with photos, telling about the show. Those of us on the West Coast were grateful to those doing this, for sure!

At one point, the DLM fan group I was part of online, became known as the "DLM Angels", in reference to a DLM song, "We Can't All Be Angels". Except for those Angels who lived in the same areas, we were all online friends. The first time any of the DLM Angels actually planned to meet was in Las Vegas, 1998; and I was lucky enough to be one of the Angels attending.

(Photo courtesy of Linda Porter-Smith)

Over time, for whatever reason, radio stations weren't really playing DLM much anymore. Where I live, the only song you hear is "Dust on the Bottle", as it was David Lee's only #1 hit.

David Lee continued to tour, and write music, however, and Angels everywhere still attended the shows; so those unable to do so still experienced the fun vicariously.

From 1997 to 2004, David Lee Murphy didn't release any new music, though he continued to tour extensively across the Midwest and Canada.

As is the norm, when an artist isn't seen or heard on a regular basis in the media, people wonder what happened to them. With a seven year gap between albums, this also happened with DLM. However, while no one was hearing *his* voice on any new songs, people were still hearing DLM penned tunes on radio and videos. During this time, DLM also had songs he'd written, or co-written, recorded by other artists, like Brooks & Dunn, James Otto, Aaron Tippin, Trick Pony and a host of others.


In 2004, David Lee Murphy released his fourth album, "Tryin' To Get There". The title track was a tune he'd written with his late idol, Waylon Jennings.

The album produced a top 5 hit for DLM, "Loco".


A second single, "Inspiration" was then released to radio, and was getting a lot of good response from critics and listeners alike. The song seemed destined to be DLM's next #1 hit. However, Koch Entertainment, DLM's label, decided to switch gears on what type of music they'd be handling, and David Lee was dropped from the label.

Since that time, there have been no other David Lee Murphy albums released; and in recent years, DLM has also been touring less. There are usually only a few shows here and there throughout any given year now.

Instead, David Lee has turned most of his attention back to writing songs for others; and he's doing quite well at it.

The list of album cuts by others DLM has had over the years is extensive, and growing all the time. Instead of listing them ALL here, I've posted three songs that have charted in recent years.

(Note: All videos are posted here. Push the arrow button at the bottom of the video screen to skip a song.)

Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean and Thompson Square have provided David Lee with four #1 hits as a songwriter. Thompson Square's "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not" is also up for two Grammies in February 2012.

(Note: All videos are posted here. Push the arrow button at the bottom of the video screen to skip a song.)

For those who are fans of Trace Adkins, his current single, "Million Dollar View" is another DLM song; co-written with George Teren. Trace also had a DLM tune on the deluxe version of his last CD; "Happy Man", co-written with actor/singer Christian Kane.

(Note: All videos are posted here. Push the arrow button at the bottom of the video screen to skip a song.)

Obviously, as a David Lee Murphy fan, I could go on and on about the man; I won't though. Today's post is simply my way of sharing information with those who may not know who David Lee Murphy is; or all that he's accomplished in music. It's also my way of saying, happy 53rd birthday David Lee, and here's to many more!

(Photo taken August, 2010, courtesy of Louise Wright Hargis)

The Magic of Music

“Disclaimer: This blog post has been written for entry into the MusiCares® Music Blogger contest.”


The magic of music is universal. No matter the language, the basic core of any song is the melody the words are set to.

Instrumental songs paint pictures with sound. Music filled with loud, booming crescendos, may stir images of large waves hitting rocks in the ocean; or perhaps thunder rumbling through the sky. Cymbals clashed together may be interpreted as the flash of a lightning bolt.

The quiet, staccato sound of an instrument may sound like the pitter pat of rain, either just before, or after a storm.


While music does an excellent job spurring one’s imagination, lyrics enhance the experience even more. Adding words to a melody make the picture being painted more complete. Each line contributes to the story the words and melody are telling. Whether the tale is sad, happy, indifferent, or something completely unique, songwriters have the magic to condense entire stories into, on average, a 3 to 4 minute amount of time, accompanied by music.

Music also has magical healing qualities. Not just soft, soothing music, any music, in any genre can help a person when they need it most. What may be jarring and unnerving to one person, may be just what another is seeking for solace. As different as each person in this world is, there’s always some type of music for everyone.

For one person I know, Reba McEntire is his comfort in time of need, and his energy when times are good. Over the past 30 years, no matter the situation, it seems Reba has a song that has helped him in whatever way was needed. He credits Reba for him being alive today, as there have been times he’s thought of ending it all; then would hear a song by Reba, and know he couldn’t do it.

Others have told me the magic of music probably doesn’t apply to the deaf; not true. My brother was born deaf, though it never stopped him from enjoying music. True, he doesn’t hear lyrics, however, he can feel the rhythm of the music being played. I remember him liking Tom Jones as a child, because he liked the rhythm Jones’ songs had.

My parents took us to see Glen Campbell once, and my brother enjoyed it as much as the rest of us. He could feel the music and energy vibrating through the floor of the venue.

In college music helped my brother study. He would put on headphones, and blast Pat Benatar while doing homework. One of his classmates asked why he used headphones, since he’s deaf. My brother’s response was others around him weren’t; he was being polite by using headphones.

Music has always been a part of my life. Growing up, I heard country music by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Marty Robbins, and a host of others, via the radio and records.

As I got older, my tastes changed and expanded to encompass almost all genres of music. Rock, pop, big band, rockabilly, country, you name it I probably have at least one song in my collection that fits the bill. From those songs, I have my own favorites for when I’m happy, or needing comfort. I’m very thankful for that.

For those in the music industry however, it isn't all magic. For everything these people give the rest of the world with music, they still have reality to deal with on a daily basis. Unlike others, most people in the music business don't have medical or dental insurance. If they, or someone in their family becomes ill, or has a toothache, it can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical and dental fees.

This is where MusiCares® steps in to help. Since 1989 MusiCares® has been available to those in the music industry who need help with health expenses. MusiCares® can't do it alone however, they need donations to do the work they do.

If every music lover in this world donated even $1, it would help MusiCares® keep doing the wonderful job they do helping those in need in the music business.

I can’t imagine life without music. There’s nothing else like it that allows anyone, anywhere in the world to express feelings in so many ways. It truly is magical. Let's hope MusiCares® is always around to help keep the magic alive.

“MusiCares® helps and supports the people who dedicate their lives to making the music I blog about. Please join the Be A Part of the Heart MusiCares® mosaic at https://beapartoftheheart.com/ and be entered for a chance to win a trip the 2012 GRAMMYS®!”