The entertainers at this special event were some of the friendliest, not to mention 'the BEST', that I have had the priviledge to meet. (or hear).
The set-up of the shows allowed the entertainers the option of 'mingling' with the crowd, or staying 'apart' at the back of the stage. Almost ALL of them chose to come into the crowd and just sit and watch the other entertainers, or stand around and talk, either with the fans or with the other stars - it didn't appear to matter which! Even tho some of us asked for autographs and pictures, we tried to be discreet (well, most of the time) about it and then left them alone. Their attitude toward this is something from which the younger generation could learn a lesson. There was no "I'm the STAR, you're the FAN" attitude apparant there and that was certainly appreciated!!
The music was so very special. Even tho we have our tapes and CD's, and get lucky enough to find an 'oldies' radio station occasionally, hearing it 'in person' was sensational.
Naturally, we were impressed with the LEGENDS, but we were also impressed with the 'lesser-know' artists. These guys (and girls) knew what they were doing!! It was so nice to learn that this genre of music has not been left behind - that we still have much more to look forward to.
As an example of how important it is for this form of music to continue, I'd like to tell a "CARL PERKINS' story if I may.
Many of you have heard of - and possibly attended - some of the "JUNE JAM'S" sponsored by the group "ALABAMA" that were held in Ft. Payne, Alabama for several years. For those who are not familiar with it, it was held outside (rain or shine) on a hillside near the schoolhouse this was an 'all day' and sometimes into the night event -- average attendance around 23,000.
The particular year I'm referring to featured the immortal "Carl Perkins" as a headliner, along with many other stars. Just as it was announced that Carl Perkins would perform next, the young (12 - 16 year olds) started talking among themselves - "WHO is CARL PERKINS??" - "I've never HEARD of Carl Perkins!!!" - "WHO is THAT??".
THEN Carl came on stage, and after only a few licks from his guitar, and a few notes of "Blue Suede Shoes" these kids went WILD!! THEY LOVED IT!!! ...and, they loved HIM!!
That, to me, is a perfect example of WHY it is so important to carry on this music. If the younger generation gets a chance to hear it, they WILL like it!! So, please carry on Garlin, 'Flash', 'Red Hots', Travis and ALL of the others we enjoyed so much at this event. Stay with the 'Flowers on the Wall'-type songs, Eric, and you WILL go far! Don't let the 'rock' take too much away from the 'roll'. You were all great - all that are pictured on these pages and any I may not have mentioned - we enjoyed EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!
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