Grammy Winner B.J. Thomas

I had the opportunity to see B.J. in concert for the first time at the Brady Theater in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  I had conducted a phone interview the day before so I could include him in my book – Distinguished Oklahomans.  but I was glad to get a chance to see him perform.  He was dressed in a black pair of leather pants and a casual looking shirt.  A gold chain hung around his neck and a gold wedding band often flashed as he brought his hand to his chest in a heart felt gesture.

B.J.’s voice is unmistakable.  The quality and melodious sound still remains his trademark.  His smile was contagious and for those of us who have heard his songs for years felt an incredible sense of kinship with him.  It was refreshing to hear a song that left you with a warm feeling inside.

As I sat there and watched his performance inside the historic Brady Theatre, the glare of bright lights beat down on him and perspiration eventually began to cover his entire face.  Occasionally he took the towel provided for him and lightly patted his face, but really to no avail.  He was a real trooper.

After an incredible performance in which he sang songs like: Feeling, Rain Drops Keep Fallin’ On My Head, Hooked On A Feelin’, I Just Can’t Help Believin’, and What Ever Happened To Old Fashioned Love, he quickly changed his clothes and came out to the lobby to sign autographs until every last person was satisfied.  I was impressed to say the least.

I will remember B.J.’s concert for a long time to come.  Not because it was a flashy concert, because it wasn’t.  He didn’t run across the stage or do any antics to keep you spellbound.  He very simply sang with ease, poise, sincerity and caring of heart with that smile that made you feel right at home.

B.J. has sold more than 50 million records and earned two platinum and eleven gold records.  He’s won five Grammy and two Dove awards.  In 1981 he became the 60th member of the Grand Ole Opry.  He feels very blessed to be in a profession he loves so much and you can tell it every time he sings.  He never plans to retire as long as he can continue to make music that people enjoy listening to.

If you ever have a chance to watch him perform it will be time well spent and you’ll feel energized when you leave.profession he loves so much and you can tell it every time he sings.  He never plans to retire as long as he can continue to make music that people enjoy listening to.  If you ever have a chance to watch him perform it will be time well spent and you’ll feel energized when you leave.

www.makingithappentv.com

Country Music Star Ronnie Dunn

Ronnie Dunn's interview was included in two of my books, because I was so impressed with his talent and his journey.  

He was born in Coleman, Texas to a musical family, but eventually moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma.  It was natural for him to begin performing in his dad's band. His dad had always aspired to make it big in the music business, but it was through the influence of his father that the dream finally became a reality for Ronnie.   

But before fame, there were decisions and challenges he had to work through.  Even though he desperately wanted to be in the music business he was a little fearful to pursue it since his dad wasn't able to break through in Nashville. 

So Ronnie enrolled in college pursuing a bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Bible.  But the burning desire to sing just wouldn't go away - he knew he had to make a decision.   For years he played in nightclubs all over Texas and Oklahoma hoping to get a big break.   For a while his band became the house band for a local dance club in Tulsa called "Duke's Country" where all the two-steppers hung out in their spare time. Ronnie was beginning to think that he was getting too old for a recording contract, so he moved to a small town not far from Tulsa and began working in a liquor store just letting life happen. 

However, one year later in 1988 a friend signed him up for the Marlboro Cigarette Talent Search, which Ronnie and his band won. That one split decision his friend made to sign a form in a convenience store when Ronnie wasn't even around - changed Ronnie's life.  Winning the competition led to recording sessions with Nashville Producer Scott Hendricks. That relationship resulted in his first three demo songs - Boot Scootin' Boogie, You Don't Know Me and The Dean Dillion Song.  Scott Hendricks began to brag about Ronnie to another Nashville Producer Tim DuBois who at the time was head of the Arista label. Tim flew to Tulsa to meet Ronnie and listen to him perform.  He was so impressed that he encouraged him to move to Nashville, but since he didn't offer him a contract Ronnie was hesitant to make the move for fear he wouldn't be successful.  Two years passed when he finally decided to take a chance and move to Nashville with the encouragement of his wife Janine.  

It just so happened that Kix Brooks was working on forming a duo under the leadership of Tim DuBois.  Ronnie was asked to try out for the position and the rest is "Country Music" history.  Ronnie's song Boot Scootin' Boogie went number one.  Quickly they produced four number one hits in a row, which in 1992 garnered them the Duo of the Year category for the Country Music Awards.

Ronnie told me his success didn't just come by chance - he believes it was God's plan for his life.  I guess the old saying "the proof is in the pudding" sure played out for Ronnie.

www.makingithappentv.com