ASK BILL! 1) For years I have heard songwriters, musicians, artists, and record producers make the statement, “The first time I heard that song I knew it was gonna be a big hit.” My question is what made you know? Was it the music, the singer, the lyrics, or something else? Good question. […]
1) My question is about imitations of you. I’ve heard you tell about Ferlin Husky saying he wouldn’t have imitated you if you didn’t have something special about you, and if he didn’t like you, he wouldn’t give you the publicity. I recently saw a Wilburn Brothers show where Teddy Wilburn imitated you – and […]
1) Can you tell us about your first ever tour bus? When did you purchase it and how much did it cost? How many miles did you put on it? Have you ever purchased an RV Diesel Pusher for your personal and private pleasure? I got my first bus in late 1965, and after several […]
1) I enjoyed watching the Porter Wagoner Show when I was young, and wonder if you were ever a guest on his show? Porter also recorded some of your songs. Did you write those for him or did he ask you to? Do you have a favorite among the ones he performed? Back in […]
ASK BILL! 1) I saw where Leroy Van Dyke is 91-years young. Have you ever worked with him or written a song for him? Leroy is an amazing man and still going strong into his nineties. I have long considered him to be both a talented artist and a good friend. […]
1) Have you ever considered recording cover songs by some of the late and great artists who have gone on? Example – Carl Smith, Hank Williams, Wynn Stewart, and many more? I’ve recorded many songs over the years that have been hits for some of the greats. I can think of at least four […]
1) What advice would you give to somebody who wants to write songs? It would depend on what that person had in mind. If they wanted to write strictly for their own enjoyment, I’d say pick an idea, put together a chord structure on guitar or keyboard, and go for it. But if they have […]
1) Eddie Stubbs retired recently. As you know, he was an Opry stage announcer as well as a DJ on WSM. Many years ago, he was the fiddle player for the Johnson Mountain Boys. Is Eddie the only Opry stage announcer who also performed on the Opry stage? That’s an interesting question, and I […]
1) One of my all-time favorite albums is your duet album with Jan Howard called “Bill And Jan Or Jan And Bill.” The album is filled with such a terrific mix of country songs. Do you have any special memories of recording this particular album?Oh boy, I sure do! Jan and I had done so […]
1) How come the music business won’t sign singing talent that is over 50-years old to a record deal? Why are they so prejudiced? The record companies aren’t prejudiced, but when they invest money and sign an artist to a contract they have to look at the long haul. They have a much better […]