retense or apologies to anyone. I suppose it is a simple next step, to take that lifestyle to our television network, BlueHighways TV. BHTV is the third network that I have headed up since 1984, the first being CMT and then Americana Television Network. All the networks had this in common, when I created the programming, it was clean, the lifestyle it represented was one of values that I leaned at Mama's knee, the music was pure "roots" music with no favoritism to the big record labels or so called Music Row Establishment, if it was good music it deserved to be heard, the artists treated with respect, the songwriters honored and the audience kept informed and entertained at all times. That is a simple sounding formula, but it takes a real commitment to stick to it. In my case, it just takes a love of the music and the ones that make it and an understanding of an audience that I have played to, in one form or another, since I was twelve years old and worked my first radio show. I had opportunities, early in my music career, to watch my music heroes interact with audiences, Red Foley, Ernest Tubb, Carl Smith, Roy Acuff, Ferlin Husky, Kitty Wells and Johnny Wright, The Louvins, The Wilburns, Marty Robbins...these people had a genuine love for their audiences and fans. There was no put on, no posturing and no stuck up attitude. They were true blue and honest and I wanted to be just like them. I've sat backstage in dressing rooms and watched fans as they would bring food they had cooked to Ernest Tubb, so he could enjoy a home cooked meal on the road, I have watched people bring their children back stage to meet Mr. Foley and watch him interact with them in a marvelous way. I know, it was a different world then, you say, but friends, these were a different kind of people too, these heroes of music. Try having that kind of close access to the stars of today and see how far you get past the big security guard. I believe the closeness between artist and fan in the 50-60-70's was unique in music history because these artists did not let any barriers come between them and the people that loved their music. I was on tour with Ernest Tubb, working shows all across Ohio in the 60's. It was after the show and we all went out on stage to sign autographs. I stepped out there and looked over at Ernest on the edge of the stage, sitting in a metal folding chair, visiting with each one, as the line strung out back into the auditorium. I went over to the right side of the stage, where about three people were waiting for my name on a picture or album. As the last one was walking away I saw this lady coming down the aisle really hoofin' it to get up to me...I sat there waiting and thinking, "Well, there weren't many folks that wanted my autograph, but here comes one now and she's pretty excited, looks like" When the lady got to my side of the stage, she stopped and looked up at me, handed me a picture of Ernest Tubb and the Texas Troubadors, and said, "Just sign to Linda, from Ernest Tubb, I ain't got time to wait in his line!" So, you can see why I have never really had a problem with ego...shoot, who's got any ego left after that? Ernest thought it was pretty funny afterwards when I told him. So, if any one of you wants a picture signed "Love, Ernest Tubb", I got it down pat. -Stan
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