fbpx
Menu
BillsJournal-BNR1

October 30, 2014

Hi Gang:

Funny the things that have been running through my mind as I approach another birthday here in a few days.

First, I’ve agreed to let some family members and friends host a birthday party at my house this year…the first birthday party I’ve had since goodness-knows-when. It’s not going to be anything fancy. We’re just going to build a bonfire in the back yard, roast some weiners, burn a few marshmallows (no matter how hard I try, mine always end up charred!), and share few hugs and laughs.

The first birthday party I remember as a child was on my 5th when Mama told me I could not have a party. My big day fell on a Sunday that year, and she said good, young Methodist boys didn’t have parties on Sunday. Imagine my surprise when I walked into our little living room and a dozen or so of my friends were gathered there all dressed up and shouting out, “Surprise!” Trust me, I truly WAS surprised!

From the sixth grade all the way through high school my best buddy, Wayne Turner, lived right behind us, and his birthday fell on November 3rd. I was two days older than he was, and was never shy about reminding him. We used to take turns having a joint party on the day in between our big days, November 2nd. One year we’d have it at his house, the next year at mine. (Funny how a “joint party” had a totally different meaning back then than it does today!)

I’ve frequently told the story of my birthday in 1959 when I thought the girl I was engaged to marry had completely forgotten my special day. About five o’clock that afternoon, after having received no card, no present, not even a phone call all day, I sat down with my guitar and wrote a sad song called, “Happy Birthday To Me.” It was about a guy having to sing Happy Birthday to himself because the special one in his life hadn’t done so.

Again, the surprise was on me. I showed up for dinner at my parents’ house and there sat my intended at the table when I arrived. I felt like a jerk, but Hank Locklin had a big hit on my song!

My favorite story of having to celebrate my birthday while out on tour came back in the sixties when we were booked for back-to-back Friday night and Saturday night shows in towns not too far apart in Iowa. At the Friday concert, a fan walked onstage in the middle of my show and presented me with a large chocolate birthday cake covered in white icing and shaped like a cowboy boot, obviously in reference to the white stage boots that were rapidly becoming my trademark. She led the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday,” and I was extremely pleased.

The very next night she showed up again in the other town and walked out on stage again holding another shiny white boot-cake. I appreciated it, but I said, “You already gave me a cake last night in such-and-such town. You didn’t have to do it again!”

“Oh, yes I did!” she exclaimed excitedly. “That was the left boot. This is the right one!”

I’ve got lots of years and lots of memories and lots of blessings to celebrate again this year. And I intend to do just that.

After all, I may be getting older, but I’ll never be this young again!

bill_autograph

 

 

Related Posts

BillJournal-btn-brn

July 11, 2020

Hi Gang:

I guess the sports fans among you know without my telling you that tonight is the night they will be playing the 93rd Major League All-Star baseball game out in Seattle. For those of you who do not keep tabs on these kinds of things, now you know.

Why do I bring it up? Because exactly 62 years ago today….Tuesday July 11, 1961….I was sitting in my living room watching a black and white telecast of the Major League All-Star baseball game from San Francisco when I received a telephone call that changed my life.

And I almost didn’t get up to answer the phone. Who would dare to call and interrupt me in the middle of such a momentous event anyhow?

After about the third ring, I got up, shuffled into the den, and picked up the receiver. I’m sure my greeting sounded a bit less than cheerful. “HELLO?” I probably growled.

“Bill, this is Ott Devine,” came the instantly recognizable voice on the other end of the line. I had heard those dulcet tones for years on WSM radio and in his role as general manager of the Grand Ole Opry. He didn’t waste any time on pleasantries. “I’m calling to ask if you’d like to become a member of the Opry.”

Suddenly, the ball game was not nearly so significant. I’m not sure I even watched another pitch. I was too busy calling friends and family to share the news. I was made the 48th member of the Opry cast four days later.

Fast forward to July 22nd of this year when I will celebrate becoming the longest-tenured member of the Opry in its nearly 100-year history. Sixty-two years that have literally flown by. Songs, music, friendships, mistakes, applause, joy and sadness…they’ve all been a part of this 62-year roller coaster ride. What an amazing time it’s been.

Thanks to each of you…whether you’ve been on the journey with me the entire time or only recently climbed aboard the train. It’s been an honor to share the miles, the music, and the memories with you. I’m looking forward to a whole bunch more.

And, oh yes, in case you’re wondering, the National League won the ball game 5-4. With eight Atlanta Braves on this year’s team, here’s hoping they do it again!

BillJournal-btn-brn

June 28, 2023

Hi Gang:

If you know me very well, or have known me for very long, you know that I have a deep love, appreciation, and respect for bluegrass music.

I have written and recorded several bluegrass-oriented songs throughout the space of my career, and have had many of my country songs given bluegrass/acoustical interpretations by some of the most talented bluegrass artists in the world. It would be easier to list the legendary artists from that genre who have NOT recorded my songs, in fact, than to list the ones who have. Even the Grammy nomination Dolly and I received last year was for our bluegrass version of “Someday It’ll All Make Sense.”

I have toured and performed alongside most of the bluegrass greats and become close friends with many of them in the process. That’s why it hurt so bad this week to learn we’re all having to say goodbye to two of the very best….Jesse McReynolds and Bobby Osborne.

Both Jesse and Bobby were my Opry Brothers, and I can’t count the times I’ve shared the stage alongside each of them. I’ve introduced them on hundreds of Opry broadcasts, stepped aside and marveled at Jesse’s incredible mandolin cross-pickin’, and sung ‘Rocky Top’ with Bobby, off-mike, off-key, and in the shadows, more times than I could possibly recall. I came to know Jesse when he and his brother, Jim, were one of the top duet acts in the world…and the same for Bobby and his brother, Sonny.

I could tell stories about how Jim & Jesse performed with me in front of the largest live audience I have ever sung for…and how Bobby, both with Sonny and on his own, wrapped his indelible voice around a whole bunch of Bill Anderson songs over the years and made them his own.

We’ve shared cars, busses, dressing rooms and laughs…happy times and sad…and I’m a better person for having known them all.

There surely must be some beautiful acoustical music up in Heaven tonight. Rest in peace, my friends, and thanks for using your incredible talents to make this ol’ world…and particularly my little corner of it…a much better place.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

BillJournal-btn-brn

May 29, 2023

I hope while you are out today enjoying your grill, your boat, your ice cream freezer, your nearby lake or beach, that you don’t forget to pause and remember why we celebrate Memorial Day in the first place.

An awful lot of brave men and women have laid down their lives over the years so that we can enjoy the wonderful blessing we have in this country called “freedom.”

It’s not asking too much, is it, that we pause for a moment this afternoon to remember?To say thank you…even though we might not recognize a face in a picture or a name on a wall?

These heroes were somebody’s brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers. The least we can do on this day is remember….and whisper, “Thanks.”

 

31 Comments

  1. Pauline Myers
    November 3, 2014 @ 1:30 am

    happy birthday keep singing and keep doing Family Reunion

  2. Carrie Glenn Eldridge Bush
    November 2, 2014 @ 7:59 pm

    HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY WISH…Thanks for all the wonderful songs you have written and sung over the years…
    I think it would be very interesting to sit and let you tell how the different songs were written..What inspired them, what was going on in your heart at the time..I firmly believe that to have written some of the songs you have written and have so perfectly worded how people feel and what they are going through, you had to have felt the same pain or joy….Well, I’m sure I’ll never get to sit and listen to the reasons for the songs, but maby someday a book or Country Reunion DVD, will ans. my question..Thanks again for the great songs..You’ve blessed the world through your music..There will never be another BILL ANDERSON.!! I am an old woman 70 yrs. old..So many times when we loose another Great Country Music Star, I think Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes..Sad to say I don’t think it is possible..That’s why the Country Reunion DVD’s are so important..This new stuff isn’t country..I do love your song “To Country”. Have a blessed day, Looking for more great songs..You’re the best!!! A Long Time Fan, Carrie G. (Eldridge) Bush

  3. Mary Collins
    October 31, 2014 @ 4:55 am

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILL. HAVE A GREAT DAY WITH YOUR FAMILY.

  4. Betty Perkins
    October 31, 2014 @ 3:37 am

    Happy Birthday to you. I remember in middle to late 60’s you were so handsome ( still are ) I dated a boy that could have been your twin. ( even had same birthday as you) Man those were the good ole days. You are such a wonderful singer songwriter.

  5. Maxine Cline
    October 31, 2014 @ 2:38 am

    Happy Birthday to one of my favorite singer-songwriters. I have always enjoyed your concerts. We always loved the dinners and outdoor concerts in Commerce, GA. You are truly one of a kind!! Have a wonderful birthday. Keep writing and singing. Please come back to Shelby, NC sometime. Maxine Cine

  6. Shirley Grant
    October 31, 2014 @ 1:39 am

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A GREAT SINGER SONGWRITER I HAVE LOVE ALL OF THEM I TURNED 81 THIS PASS AUGUST AND A COUNTRY FAN ALL MY LIFE BUT SOME OF THE COUNTRY TODAY IS NOT COUNTRY IT STINKS BUT NOT YOURS TRUE COUNTRY LOVE IT HAVE A GREAT BIRTHDAY AND MANY MORE

  7. ErmaM. Williams
    October 30, 2014 @ 11:44 pm

    I hope you have a GREAT DAY on your birthday, Bill. Good to see you again in Gatlinburg.

  8. Ruth Plencner
    October 30, 2014 @ 9:59 pm

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU hope you have a great day.

  9. Dolores Kargol
    October 30, 2014 @ 8:17 pm

    Happy Birthday and many more, hope it’s a good one.

  10. Margaret Duckett
    October 30, 2014 @ 7:58 pm

    Happy Birthday! May it be the best one yet! Just keep singing and writing those good country songs!

  11. Bill Anderson
    October 30, 2014 @ 7:32 pm

    Happy birthday Bill. Hope it’s a great one

  12. Shirley Hendricks
    October 30, 2014 @ 7:31 pm

    Happy Birthday to the greatest song writer ever!

  13. Bonnie Strege
    October 30, 2014 @ 6:19 pm

    On my comment that I just made. I forgot to tell you Bill- I remember back when you had the restaurant Po Folks- when we’d come down on vacation (which we still do) but we’d go into your restaurant years ago- we really enjoyed that!! We still have that small poster- advertisement of your restaurant that says- I’m Po but I’m proud! Have a very Happy Birthday!!!!

  14. Randall Murphy
    October 30, 2014 @ 6:13 pm

    Happy Birthday Mr. Anderson! I hope you have many more years ahead! I really enjoyed seeing you at the Opry on Labor Day Weekend.

  15. Bonnie Strege
    October 30, 2014 @ 6:06 pm

    Have a Happy Birthday Bill!!! We love seeing you on Family Reunion every week!!! And we love to hear you sing too- you are a Legend!!!

  16. Pauline Long.
    October 30, 2014 @ 5:51 pm

    Bill I have admired you for so many years, that comes with my age.LOL My Birthday is the first of November 1938, so you see you came into my life when I was a country music loving little girl. I man have aged as you have but you are my country music love. Most of my country family are going away now, so please have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY WITH ME>>>>>>>>>

  17. Mary Faye Benfield
    October 30, 2014 @ 5:50 pm

    Happy Birthday Bill!! Hope you have a very Blessed Day. You are a great singer .

  18. herman shuemake
    October 30, 2014 @ 5:50 pm

    happy birthday and hope you stay around for many more there is no one who enjoys your music any more than me

  19. Verna Coleman
    October 30, 2014 @ 5:22 pm

    Happy Birthday Bill! Have a great day!

  20. Donna Surry
    October 30, 2014 @ 5:21 pm

    Happy Birthday Bill! ! Looking forward to seeing you at the Opry this next year … we will be there May 15 – July 15 staying at Two Rivers Campground at our friends Rusty and Cathy Rust (owners). Love your singing and hope to get an autograph somehow this year.

  21. Pat
    October 30, 2014 @ 5:08 pm

    Happy Birthday, Bill. My birthday is Oct 31st. Hope you have a wonderful day!!!

  22. Becky Sims
    October 30, 2014 @ 5:05 pm

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILL.HAVE A GREAT DAY

  23. J.T. Guyton
    October 30, 2014 @ 4:41 pm

    Happy Birthday! I pray the Lord will bless you with many more and good health!

  24. bill nowlin
    October 30, 2014 @ 4:32 pm

    Happy Birthday to one of the best….celebrate!

  25. Martha Rodman
    October 30, 2014 @ 4:21 pm

    Happy Birthday Bill. I will be having my birthday on Nov. 2nd. I love all of your music.

  26. joyce porter
    October 30, 2014 @ 4:13 pm

    Happybirthday to a very special person. I pray that you will receive as many blessings as you give others throughout the year.

  27. Margaret Guinan
    October 30, 2014 @ 3:56 pm

    Happy Birthday Bill, You are my favorite

  28. Gradie Kizer
    October 30, 2014 @ 3:23 pm

    Have a very happy birthday, we always think of you on your special day. Nancy and Gradie

  29. Beth Lane
    October 30, 2014 @ 3:08 pm

    Happy Birthday Bill. Have a wonderful Day!!

  30. Carol Williams
    October 30, 2014 @ 3:00 pm

    I celebrated my 18th birthday at your concert in Charlotte at the old coliseum in 1962. You signed an 8 x 10 picture of you with Happy Birthday. I still have that picture and at 70 years old am still a big fan of yours!

  31. Freida Webb
    October 30, 2014 @ 2:57 pm

    A very Happy Birthday to one of my favorite people. My birthday is Nov. 2nd. Have ordered the new CFR Reunion videos and can’t wait till they get sent out. I replayed some of the Simply Bluegrass last night. That was wonderful and the Bill Monroe memories were hilarious, even the 3rd time around and the music super.