“Success: To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

SUCCESS IS FUN…Happy CMA Fan Fest y’all! I love this time of year…minus the crowds, heat, overpriced water and traffic. Okay, so the music rocks.

You know I’m kiddin’! I love you guys for helping to rebuild this city we love by coming in droves to the party this year. You have no idea how much it meant to the Nashville economy, community and country music as a whole. I give you HUGE thanks.

There will be pictures from many adventures this week scattered throughout the blog. Hope you enjoy them…or become confused by them.

This music review will serve as Part I and will cover shows seen Saturday through Thursday of last week. Part II will cover Friday through Sunday. There is LOTS to discuss, so let’s get started shall we?

SUCCESS IS SONGS…Since CMA Fan Fest is the topic at hand, the top songs of the week come from the country genre.

1. “The Heart Won’t Lie” by Reba McEntire and Vince Gill. It takes me right back to High School. I forgot about this one until it played on the iPod this week. Incredible song…even more incredible video. It doesn’t hurt that two of the most loved and most recognizable voices in country music sing it.

2. “If I Knew Then” by Lady Antebellum. I love this song so much that while walking down the street in Key West I heard the first verse and changed directions. This forced the entire group I was with to do the same and look at me like I was crazy. Songwriter Monty Powell was playing in a round and singing this song. The song is simple, pure and breathtaking. Bottom line…It. Is. Awesome.

3. “That’s Why I’m Here” by Kenny Chesney. What is the most sensitive and thoughtful way to discuss addiction and what it can do to your life? No need to answer. Just listen to the song.

4. “I Know How the River Feels” by Diamond Rio. I have loved this group since I started listening to country music. What an incredible way to explain love and finding that person who is made for you.

5. “Heaven” by Bryan Adams and Jason Aldean. So I’m kind of cheating on this one since it’s not technically a country song. However, this is from the CMT Crossroads taping and Jason Aldean is singing on it. That makes it country. Hey! My review…my rules. I didn’t think I’d like anyone else singing this song, but Jason does an outstanding job on his parts of the song. All of his fans have been trying to convert me to an Aldean fanatic for the past couple of years. Songs like this are convincing me. “Baby you’re all that I want when you’re lying here in my arms. I’m finding it hard to believe we’re in Heaven. And lovin is all that I need and I find it there in your heart. It isn’t too hard to see, we’re in Heaven.” I love that freakin’ song! Thank you Bryan Adams.

6. “Love Like Crazy” by Lee Brice. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. NOBODY can do to a song what Lee Brice can do to a song…NOBODY. A show with Lee is an experience and this song is a gem. Head on over to iTunes or to your local music store and buy the new album. It’s worth every penny. Promise. “Be a best friend. Tell the truth and overuse I Love You. Go to work. Do your best and don’t outsmart your common sense. Never let your prayin’ knees get lazy and love like crazy.”

7. “Red Light” by David Nail. It’s one of those songs. If I listen to it once, I have to listen to it three more times. So catchy…so relatable…so well-produced…so vocally sound. “At a red light in the sunshine on a Sunday nothin’s safe. Don’t even try. Some are comin’ home. Some are leavin’ town while my world’s crashin’ down on a Sunday in the sunshine at a red light.”

8. “Boots On” by Randy Houser. Dear, Sweet Randy Houser played on the Main Stage this year!!!!! How awesome is that?! All I have to hear is “in my dirty old hat with my crooked little grin…” and I’m smilin’…mainly because I can picture the guy from the lyrics alone. Randy’s amazing and I cannot wait for album number 2 coming in the Fall. WOOOOOOO WHOOOOOOOO!

9. “You Won’t Ever Be Lonely” by Andy Griggs. The great songs never get old. This is one of those songs. Such a sweet way for a man to convey his love for a woman. It’s really not that difficult guys. Try this…”For as long as I live there will always be a place you belong here beside me. Heart and soul…Baby you only. And I promise you now. You won’t ever be lonely.”

10. “Days of Our Lives” by James Otto. This one hit the airwaves quite a while ago for James. I immediately attached to the song. The meaning of this tune combined with James voice…perfect. “They say dance every dance and live each day as thought it’s your last and tell those who you love how ya feel before it’s too late. Life is right here and now we only go around just one time. So embrace ‘em don’t waste ‘em for these are the days of our lives.”

11. “Somebody Like You” by Keith Urban. I have loved this tune since the first time I heard it. It’s so much fun and just…sun shiny. It makes me want to grab a good man, jump in a car and head for the nearest beach. “I wanna feel sun shine…shinin’ down on me and you. When you put your arms around me, you let me know there’s nothin’ in this world I can’t do-ew-ew-ew-ew-ew.” PLUS, if you listen to the album cut, you get to marvel at the greatness of Keith Urban instrument playing. The man is amazingly talented.

12. “I’m Alright” by Jo Dee Messina (written by Phil Vassar). She puts on one of the best live shows I’ve seen by any artist in any genre…ever. The woman does not get enough credit for everything she’s done. I’m actually amazed by the accomplishments. If you haven’t seen her perform live, you are robbing yourself of serious entertainment. Find a show and GO! I love this song for the pure fun of it. It never fails to make me smile “I’m all…I’m all…I’m alright. It’s a beautiful day and not a cloud in sight so I guess I’m doin’ alright. I’m all…I’m all…I’m alright. I got a good old friend here with me tonight and I guess I’m doin’ alright.”

SUCCESS IS THE LIFE OF JOHN WOODEN…The great Coach Wooden passed away this month. Hearing the news of his death made me stop and say a few words for a man who was much more than a coaching genius. He was a life genius. If the wins would not have come at UCLA, his players would have still been champions based solely on the life lessons they got from a master teacher.

I use John Wooden quotes a lot because they are simple, profound, logical, meaningful and true. He had 99 years of life experience and by all accounts it was a life well-lived. So I decided to give you my Top 5 favorite Coach Wooden quotes.

1. “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”

2. “Talent is God-given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be Careful.”

3. “You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.”

4. “Consider the rights of others before your own feelings and the feelings of others before your own rights.”

5. Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.”

As for life lessons on love…check out my favorite interview with Coach Wooden HERE posted just a little over six months ago. Rick Reilly always does a great job.

Thank you Coach Wooden for a legacy that is inspiring…and I don’t mean the basketball championships. You wisdom will be missed. R.I.P.

SUCCESS IS SERENITY…There are many places to find serenity. We each have our own. It can be a room in your house. It can be a spot in the yard. It can be the beach or the mountains. Do me a favor and make sure you find your place. Then do me another favor and make sure you go there every once in a while. It’s important.

SUCCESS IS WUV. TRUE WUV…Despite all the examples of love falling apart, there are still many that are inspiring (watch John Wooden story above). I can tell you about many real life couples (HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!!!). I can tell you about movie couples (“The Notebook” anyone?). I can tell you about Fairytale couples (“Aladdin”).

However, since it is CMA Fan Fest week, I’ll tell you about one of the country music love stories. You know where I’m going with this one don’t you?

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are so in love, when they sing together I feel like I’m interrupting their moment. Seriously?! I guess it could all be an act, but if so…they are darn good actors. With all the celebrity marriages on the rocks for cheating and…well, cheating, it’s nice to watch one that is still so passionate. Still not know what I mean? Watch “It’s Your Love” or “Let’s Make Love” or “I Need You.”

The whole point of this section? Love is the only thing in which you should truly care about being successful. Love comes in it’s own time…I really believe that. Just make sure you aren’t too busy to recognize it when it arrives. Love in and of itself is success.

SUCCESS IS THE BIG XII CONFERENCE…Wait. What?! Are you saying that’s an iffy statement? I’m holding onto the last shred of hope people! Don’t steal that from me. That’s just mean.

BTW…Whatever Nebraska! Here I thought I was going to be blaming Texas and you are the school holding the knife. I just might travel to every school you play this year just to cheer for the other team. Here’s to hoping that in 2011 Ohio State, Michigan and every other school in the Big 10 makes your life miserable…forever. Too harsh? Yeah, I know. Not harsh enough.

“Et tu, Colorado?! Et tu?”

*I just threw that in as a nicety. There were no tears shed nor things broken at the announcement the Buffaloes were leaving the conference. What?! There weren’t.

SUCCESS IS 1987…I met Tiffany (Yes, that one). AHHHHHHH!

Seriously. Last Saturday, I went to The Listening Room with my friend Macey to hear one of my favorite childhood singers. Back in the fourth grade, I wore that “Tiffany” cassette tape out! It was an amazingly fun night and was full of songs from the past as well as great new tunes from the singer.

She did not disappoint. When you go to hear a singer from your past, you NEED to hear the hits. I always get a little irritated with singers who don’t understand that concept. Tiffany gets it and proved she can still belt out those hits. I mean there were grown women at the end of the bar who squealed with every song from the past she sang. Okay, so maybe I did too…Judgy McJudgerson.

We walked in the door to “All This Time.” I LOVE THAT SONG! “All this time. All and all I know regrets. The sun still shines. The sun still sets. And my heart forgives. The heart forgets. But what will I do now with all this time.”  And she followed it up with “Could’ve Been.” How can you forget the angst of your tween years? “Could’ve been so beautiful. Could’ve been so right. Could’ve been my lover every day of my life. Could’ve been so beautiful. Could’ve been so right. I’ll never hold what could’ve been on a cold and lonely night.” *tear*

Did you know Tiffany actually moved to Nashville to be a country singer at age 10, but they told her she was too young? She promptly moved to L.A. and by 14 years of age was a phenomenon. However, now Tiffany is back to write and sing new music with a country flavor. We were lucky to hear some of it that night.

Her voice is still solid and has a cool folk/country/rock feel to it. I adored quite a few of the new songs. There were two songs in particular I especially attached to immediately. Tiffany sang the first song with Tommy Wright. It’s called “Maybe.” This one questions our romantic selections with “Maybe they’re right. Maybe you’re wrong for me. Maybe my heart’s so blind to love this time I just can’t see.”

The second tune embraces who each of us are…faults and all. It’s called “I’m Just That Girl.” I know I can relate…”I’m just that girl who never seems to get anything right. Some days I laugh about it. Some days it makes me cry…”

She finished out the show with two songs that we all know (and most of us love). I think you can guess what they are. First there was “I Saw Him Standing There.” I’ll admit I got my dance on for that one.

Then she ended with the iconic tune “I Think We’re Alone Now.” However, before Tiffany started to sing, she explained it was going to be a little different than we were used to hearing the tune. Macey and I immediately looked at each other with raised eyebrows. I’m gonna admit…I don’t like it when people change songs I’ve grown to love. It’s kind of like they are altering history. Therefore, I was skeptical. In fact, I’ll admit I was pretty stubborn when the song began. Do you know what else I was? Wrong.

The new version is incredible and you can hear it HERE. As soon as Tiffany started singing the first verse, Macey and I were again looking at each other with smiles. It. Was. Awesome. It will be out to radio in a few months as well. Kudos go to Chris Roberts for the idea and for producing the new version. Chris, you are awesome and you were right. PLUS, Chris can sing like many singers only WISH they knew how to sing. Check out Chris with One Flew South HERE. Those guys are incredible!

That night also allowed me to hear another great artist by the name of Lindsay Lawler. This woman has some sass and she is all great old-school country sounding music. Her voice is cool, raspy and textured. Her songs travel the emotional gamut.

I’ll give you two examples of great tunes by Lindsay. First up is the tortured looking for love song called “Spin the Bottle.” Lindsay know exactly where to take the song vocally with loneliness surrounding each word. “So I spin the bottle not knowing where I will land. Yeah, I spin the bottle to see where we stand. I don’t care if you hold me…if we just sit and talk. I don’t care if you’re there when I wake up. I don’t care if it’s wrong or it’s right. I wanna let go of lonely tonight.”

The singer then rolls into high gear with the song “Train Wreck.” It is fast and fun with a whole lot of country in every word. “That girl’s a train wreck. Whiskey on her breath. Tangled hair aint gone to bed yet. Rip in her hose. Last night’s clothes. Still smells like cigarette smoke. Broken heel. One earring left. Where the other one’s at is anyone’s guess. Last night’s fun is the next day’s mess. That girl’s a train wreck.”

Go listen to Lindsay’s music y’all! I cannot wait to hear a full show from this woman. Plus, she is extremely fun. That is always a bonus. Carry on Lindsay. Carry on.

SUCCESS IS “HOPEFUL”…That is why on Monday we attended the “City of Hope” Celebrity Softball challenge here in Nashville. It is the unofficial kick off to CMA Fan Fest and Monday provided a perfect night for the game. It wasn’t 150 degrees. There was no rain. AND flooding wasn’t an issue. To tell you the truth, it was great to be back at the ballpark.

This game is played by some of the biggest stars in Nashville and raises money for “City of Hope” which is “a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.”

Thanks to Mark, we got to go enjoy a night at Greer Stadium watching this charity game. It was a whole lot of fun. I found somebody’s video of the game on YouTube HERE.

Some of high points and observations…

1. Jason Aldean can play some softball! I know it’s a charity game, but DANG. He has obviously been on a field before that night.

2. Butter from the Trailer Choir slid into home plate for a home run early in the game. That drew the most cheers of the night.

3. It was fun to watch the truly competitive nature come out of many of the artists and athletes. With the “After MidNite with Blair Garner” team down by many runs late in the game, the focus changed. All of the sudden, the guys were playing more and runs were coming in droves. The game was tied up and the organizers were going to end play. However, that was NOT going to happen. The celebrities begged for another inning and a winner was determined (the “After MidNite” team). The competition made me laugh. I LOVE IT! This is why these people are so good at what they do. They like to win…and I like that.

4. Carrie Underwood was given a surprise wedding shower with funny gifts from everyone.

5. Artists stayed after the game to take pictures and sign autographs for fans which is always impressive.

SUCCESS IS BENEFICIAL…It was off to Storme Warren’s Nashville Navy Show at Limelight on Tuesday night. With numerous hit songwriters on the bill as well as up-and-comers, the night was bound to be fun.

It was great to see Fotojo, Lori and Jaime who I haven’t seen in a while. They all rock my face off and did a wonderful job putting the show together!

There were three rounds that night and due to the numerous songs and people, I am only going to mention a song or two from each as well as one word that describes each of them. This should be interesting. Here. We. Go.

Shane Thomas music is real. The song that made me listen was “Somewhere Between John Wayne and John 3:16.” It was a lyrically cool way to describe a good ‘ol boy.

Shannon Mock music is refreshing. The song that made me listen was “You Took Me With You.” This tune was all about the happiness real love provides.

Tony Bridges music is warm. The song that made me listen was “Lost.” This tune was all about love and it’s saving ways. “Lost. I was lost . I was bound to live my life walkin’ in my sleep. Then you came along and your love rescued me.”

Aly Cutter music is loyal. The song that made me listen was “I Like the Way It Feels.” It’s about real love and the hook says it all. “I don’t love you because I have to. I love you because I like the way it feels.”

David St. Romain music is deep (in voice and meaning). The song that made me listen to the Nashville Star alum was “Some People Touch So Many Lives.” It is about the importance of making a difference in the world. “Some people don’t care about anyone…anything. They never take the time. But some people touch so many lives.”

Joanna Smith music is witty. The song that made me listen was “Gettin’ Married.” There is humor scattered throughout this tune. “I’m not ready for a new last name. I don’t want to be nobody’s ball and chain…the reason for his Friday night poker game. I don’t wanna be another Desperate Housewife. Doin dirty laundry on a Saturday night. I don’t wanna be somebody’s baby. Bring me another Bud Light.”

Danielle Peck music is honest. You probably know a few of this woman’s songs. The new song that made me listen was “Fly Back to Me” which had a Norah Jones feel to it. It was a completely different side of the singer and I really liked the tune.  The song that has made me listen to Danielle for the past few years is a tune called “Findin’ a Good Man.” Most women can relate to this one. “Here’s to the liars and the cheaters and the cold mistreaters. To the Mamma’s boys who can’t make a stand. Here’s to the superficial players the ‘I love you’ too-soon sayers. If you hear me girls raise your hand. Let’s have a toast. Here’s to findin a good man.”

Jaime Fox music is sassy (in the great way country music is meant to be). The song that made me listen was “I’m Talkin’ ‘Bout the Truth.” This one got stuck in my head three days later (which is always a good sign). “I’m talkin’ ’bout the truth. I’m talkin’ ’bout the elephant in the room. I’m talkin’ ’bout the whos and the whats and the where you beens. I wanna hear somethin’ that makes some sense from you. I’m talkin’ ’bout the truth.”

This is when we get into the third round of the night. These guys have NUMEROUS songs you’ve heard and love.  It’s a little impossible to list just one. Okay, it’s a lot impossible. Therefore, I’m bending the rules for this round.

Keith Anderson has a way with the songs he sings and the crowds he entertains. It’s actually pretty impressive to watch and hear. Even though I was hoping for a new song that night, Keith did what the crowd wanted and that was to hear all of his great hits. Rule for all artists…ALWAYS do what the crowd wants. It will pay off in the end.

“I Still Miss You” still gives me goose bumps whether the guitar or the piano leads me into the first verse. “Lost In This Moment” makes me want to feel what that brides has to be feeling when she looks into the eyes of her man. “Pickin’ Wild Flowers” makes me feel…Oh come on! Like I need to explain that song. I will say the crowd loves that tune and was quick to sing back to Keith…”…iced down a six-pack.”

It’s always a pleasure Mr. Anderson.

Trent Willmon was next up in the round. Trent sings one of my very favorite songs on the planet. I think you might know it. It’s called “On Again Tonight.” If you haven’t heard it…GO LISTEN!

On Tuesday night, Trent sang some new stuff and we got to see how amazing he is with the lyrics. The guy can make you laugh ’til you cry with songs like “I Wish You Were Beer.” No lie. This one is a classic country hit waiting to happen. “Wish you were beer. Somethin’ nice to hold. Lord, I wish that you’d get better when you get ice cold.” BAHAHAHAHA!

Trent can also deliver heart-warming tunes. That night the song was delivered in the form of “Daddies and Daughters.” I can 100% relate to this one. “Daddies and daughters have somethin’ no one else does. You need a special kind of love. It’s hard to explain. A man as tough as leather can turn to velvet when he smiles. As worlds apart as they may seem. There’s nothin’ like the love between Daddies and daughters.” Amen, Trent and well said.

Third in the round was the great Wade Hayes. He’s been singing great songs for years and I always love to hear him deliver them to a live audience. I forget how much I love some of Wade’s songs until he begins to sing. This was the case on Tuesday night when he started to play “The Day She Left Tulsa.” That is a well-crafted piece of art on all levels.

Wade can also get his funny on with songs like “Too Old for This Shit.” Hey! He makes some GREAT points. “‘Cause when the good times get a little too good my wild side comes out of the wood. I can’t stop the fuse once it’s been lit. I know there’s a price to pay for all the Hell and the ruckus I’ve raised. Maybe one day I’ll learn how to quit. I’m gettin’ too old for this shit.”

The last man in the round was Ray Scott. Wow. I mean. Wow. He was insightful enough to get away with calling out women for being complicated in the tune “I Love You Both.” I was okay with the explanation and I think other women will be too. “I love you both. I love the you that makes me smile just like a clown and I love the you that makes me want to cuss out loud. Then turn around and lay you down. I love you both.”

Ray also delivered the most humorous line of the night in the song “I Gotta Quit Drinkin’.” Are you ready for it? “Woke up with a dog and I think I gave her a bone. I gotta quit drinkin’.” HAHAHAHAHAHA!

There was a really cool singer by the name of Ted Vigil who covers John Denver…AND looks just like him. While he was singing that night, everyone was starting to dance….

Jeff Bates closed out the night with a great full-band show. I was supposed to be headed back to the office, but I couldn’t leave when he started singing. Jeff has one of those all-encompassing voices that is warm country. The voice itself embraces you while he’s onstage.

He also has a loyal fan following. One of his older fans just had hip replacement surgery and was STILL there that night. Jeff was also singing his song “Long, Slow Kisses” to another by cell phone.

My favorite of the night from Jeff was the song “Your Lovin’ Talks To Me.” It was extremely romantic AND hot. “Your lovin’ talks to me. Your lovin’ walks with me. Your eyes are all I see. Your sweet words follow me. Your lovin’ leads the way. It’s with me every day. It gives me all I need. It always comforts me. Your lovin’ talks to me.” With a voice like that, I’d want HIM talking to ME.

And THAT ended night number two of CMA Fan Fest. No disappointments.

SUCCESS IS CMT-astic…Wednesday night was spent watching the awards. Since most of you watched as well. I will only share random thoughts. AAAAAANNNNNNND GO….

- YES! I love this Kid Rock song!!! Ummm…is that Martina McBride and Kellie Pickler? Is Trace Adkins getting in on the action?! Nice! Randy Houser! Randy Houser! WOOO WHOOO! Bad ass number three Zack Brown makes an appearance. Jamey Johnson next up…perfect. Seriously. Jamey’s look would scare me into doing whatever he told me to do. His eyes have that “I might be crazy” look in them that is intriguing. It’s pretty awesome. OMG. The biggest bad ass of them all. That’s Hank Williams, Jr.!!!! Great way to kick off the show. However, I was a little confused with Martina and Kellie being in that mix. Anyone else?

- The CMT Awards are one of the few award shows I’ll watch for two reasons….1) They actually have a little fun and enjoy the music and 2) It’s fan voted.

- Lady Antebellum won Group Video of the Year for “Need You Now.” BIG shock. That’s me speaking the language of sarcasm. LOVE the song. LOVE the video.

- The forced humor on this award show is awful. However, T.O. just made me LOL with the singing of “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys.” HAHAHAHAHA! Great joke.

- Toby Keith, I love you. However, that short interview was awkward.

- Why is Hayden Panettiere presenting at the CMT’s and what is she wearing?

- Miranda Lambert delivers a great performance as usual with the song “White Liar.” She is generally on the money for live TV appearances. PLUS, her bass player with the mohawk is awesome!

- It’s awesome to see someone so genuinely excited to win. Luke Bryan throwing his jacket into the crowd after his Breakthrough Video of the Year win for “Do I” was very cool.

- If there is any artist on the planet I’m biased for it’s Tim McGraw. That guy can do no wrong. Carry on Tim. Carry on.

- YEAH! It’s the Trailer Choir!!!! Go Vinny, Butter and Crystal.

- Keenan Thompson as Reba is pretty entertaining. However, the real Reba just out-funnied him. It’s pretty hard to beat Reba in any competition. You know why? Cause she’s….REBA.

- Trace Adkins just made the best acceptance speech of the night with “I’m proud of my Hillbilly Bone.” HAHAHAHA!

- Danny Gokey had the best photo of the night on Twitter. It was Danny, Blake Shelton and Chuck Wicks. Hilarious. Check it out…

- David Spade was easily the funniest of the evening when he presented with Kid Rock. Check it out HERE.

- Jamey Johnson just debuted his new song “Gotta Get Back to Macon.” Pretty cool! Wait. Is that Little Big Town backing him up on vocals? REALLY cool.

- Snooki, Paula Dean and Mike “The Situation”? No comment. Wait. One comment. Mike…”They” don’t call you The Situation. YOU all you the situation. Interesting combination. I heart Paula Dean. She is just one of those people who makes you smile.

- WHOA! Cool stage performance for LeAnn Rimes performance of the “Swingin’” remake. However, it sounds nothing like the John Anderson original. Wait. Is that John Anderson playing guitar on stage?! Nice.

- I am completely infatuated with that Steel Magnolia song “Keep On Lovin’ You.” Love. It.

- “Free” is the first song from the Zack Brown band I really adore. It is cool and easy. PLUS, the cell phone lights are out in full force for this performance. Great live performance by the band as well.

- YES! Carrie is singing “Undo It.” I have loved that song since I first bought the CD. So much fun…in a get back at the guy you hate kind of way.

- KEITH URBAN AND JOHN MAYER! KEITH URBAN AND JOHN MAYER! Everyone pay attention. This is gonna be good….and it was. Those two are freaks of nature on the guitar. It is SO entertaining to watch that kind of talent. Seriously. Easily the best performance of the night.

- Kid Rock redeemed himself for any mis-steps throughout the night with his closing. Such a great way to end an awards show. Here is what he said. “As a music lover…if it looks good, you’ll see it. If it sounds good, you’ll hear it. If it’s marketed right, you’ll buy it. But if it’s real, you’ll feel it.” Well said and very true.

SUCCESS IS WRITING FROM THE HEART AND SOUL…Thursday night took me and the girls to the Hard Rock Cafe for a full night of musical bliss.

It all started with the musical styling of Jason Sever. I’ve said it once (well, more than once) and I’ll say it again. Jason is one of THE BEST singer/songwriters in the city…hands down. He’s one of those singers that you love to listen to so much, you almost hope no one else cuts his songs. This is only because you cannot imagine someone else singing them.

Then there are the incredible songs. They are woven together in such a fantastic way, each song leaves you wanting more.

Since he’s been a featured artist before and I’ve already told you so much about him, I will only talk about a few new songs I heard that night. Jason took a different spin on an oft-used word and made something great out of it’s meaning in the tune “Whatever.” The love song states, “Whatever she wants, I come runnin’. Whatever she needs, I give her every part of me. Whatever she says. Call me crazy, but maybe this could be the best thing that ever…whatever.”

The song “Come Back to Me” ponders lost love when in the most lonely of times. “I know we both said goodbye, but there comes a time you cross my mind and I know I’m crossin’ your mind too. I know we wanna move on, but if it gets too lonely you can always come back to me.”

The last song was a well-crafted tune about regrets. This one was called “Better Hands.” The chorus says it all. “Better hands then mine are holding her now. I was only gonna keep her down. If you could see her dreams, the love in her eyes. I guess he gave her wings and he let her fly. I love her so much, I let her go and it’s killing me inside. She’s in better hands then mine.”

Go listen to Jason’s music. I always go back to hear great songs from an incredible artist. He’s one of those singer/songwriters who has a long career ahead of him.

And then there was the Kenny Chesney Tribute…and it was amazing. The show was two rounds full of some of Kenny’s biggest songwriters and all proceeds went to one of my favorite charities on the planet…Musicians On Call. Katy Brown does an excellent job with this charity and they are doing some amazing things around the city. If you can, donate your time or money to such a wonderful charity.

I don’t need to review these guys, because you know so many of their songs. Therefore, I’ll just tell you what they sang that night.

Craig Wiseman sang “Young,” “Summertime,” “Ain’t Back Yet” and “The Good Stuff.” As you can tell, this man has no problems writing hit songs. Plus, I guarantee you know NUMEROUS other tunes he’s written for many artists. He is quite the songwriter.

Mac McAnally sang “Down the Road” and “Back Where I Come From.” Mac is one of the few songwriters who also got to sing his song with Kenny. I’m sure that was no fun at all. Again, me and the language of sarcasm.

Paul Overstreet sang “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy.” There will be much argument about which song actually launched Kenny Chesney into super-stardom. However, I will always stand by this song as the launch pad. He did have hits before this song, but it took on a life of it’s own.

David Lee Murphy sang “Living in Fast Forward” and “Just Not Today.” David is a singer himself with a few hits. However, it has got to be nice to write a few great ones for another artist as well.

Casey Beathard sang “Don’t Blink” and “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems.” These were some of Kenny’s later hits and Casey was quick to be thankful. I have a feeling those songs changed Casey’s life a little bit.

Mark Tamburino got up to sing “I’m Alive.” He is one of the voices on Kenny’s “No Shoes Radio.” What can I say? The guy has quite a few talents.

And then there were three…my favorite three in town.

Brett James is the man who writes for everyone under the sun and usually get a hit. You know you’re kind of awesome when you have seven of your songs hit the number one spot on the charts along with many others landing in the Top 10. On Thursday, Brett sang three of Kenny’s big hits. There was “We Went Out Last Night,” “You Save Me” and “When the Sun Goes Down.”

Then there was Neil Thrasher. Neil is a true SINGER/songwriter. Seriously. There aren’t many people who can sing like Neil. It is always kind to your ears to listen to a Thrasher rendition of any of the songs he wrote. That night he sang “I Lost It” and “There Goes My Life.” You can’t go wrong with those songs. They are tunes that take your breath away as the meaning unfolds. There are songs you can hear and pinpoint exactly where you were the first time you heard them. Both of these tunes fall into that category.

The last person I’ll tell you about is not only one of my favorite singer/songwriters in town, he is also one of my favorite people in Nashville. And it’s great to know the good people. Dear, Sweet Wendell Mobley sang a tune that Rascal Flatts took to number one, but Kenny Chesney co-wrote called “Take Me There.” He also sang another song that helped make Kenny Chesney the household name he is now. That tune is “How Forever Feels.” Wendell has that voice that is really, really cool and you know it when you hear it. That is what makes it hard for me when someone else is singing the song…no matter how good they are, it’s just not the same.

These men have written the songs that have literally changed my life. I am always more than happy to be able to hear them. Maggie and friends told me ANY time these guys play, she wants to know about it. Well, boys…you have yourself another fan or six.

AND to end the excellent night was the Locash Cowboys with a side of Jeffrey Steele. Face rockin’ fun was had by all. I will go into detail in the next review when I tell you about their Chevy Stage performance. The best explanation for this duo is that they can make any crowd their bitch. That is the most accurate way to explain! I have never seen a band better at entertaining the masses…ever. Sooner or later you will go find out for yourself.

More on them in Part II of the Music Review next week…

SUCCESS IS GREAT TWEETS…This week’s “Tweet of the Week” comes from Taylor Swift. “Liz: Wanna go to H&M with me?! Caitlin: Nah, I was thinking of heading to the Lincoln Memorial. Liz: Thanks for making me feel shallow.”

SUCCESS IS GREAT POINTS…this great point is brought to you by Audrey Hepburn.

“Success is like reaching an important birthday and finding you’re exactly the same.”

Until Next Time…

No Reins!

K