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Stacy McCloud's Blog
My man.THE man...Mr. Charlie Daniels
Hey Ya'll,
One of my favorite people ever is Charlie Daniels. He always has been. Growing up, in high school, in college I can't tell you how many times I belted The Devin Went Down To Georgia with my friends!
I even got a fiddle when I lived in Kentucky in hopes of learning to play .. all because I love Charlie!
I first met Charlie back when I worked in Knoxville. He signed my barely played fiddle and even gave me one of the bows he had used in a show the night before. I was so stoked!! Who knew that years later I would be able to call him a friend :)
Since then I've interviewed him more times than I can count and he is just such a joy. I love him so much I even asked him to play at the Cocktail hour at my wedding! Guess what .. he didn't say no! He had a conflict and was unable to be there, so he sent me a lovely wedding gift. Then when my husband and I moved into our first "house" he gave me hand written lyrics to "The Devil Went Down to Georgia". I am assuming he (or his sweet and wonderful publicist) remembers me losing an auction a couple years ago, in which I bid on lyrics. Then when I spoke to Charlie this week, he gave me a "Happy One Year of Marriage" gift! I mean ... does he spoil me or what?!
Needless to say, when I got the email that he had undergone HEART surgery .. my heart dropped! Thank the good Lord he was okay. But not only was he okay, he is in amazign spirits and called it "not a big deal"! I so enjoyed our chat backstage at the Ryman and appreciate him always taking time for me.
During our interview he shared with me something really cool! Did you know that in his over 50 years of music - he has NEVER done an album that was ALL Country, cbd style? Nope! He said he is going to do that next, that he has tons of classics picked out that he and his band are going to re-do as soon as he gets a chance. Charlie loves his music so much. He told me tha the would have to live to be 150 to do everything he wants to do - let's hope that he does!
I wanted to put our entire interview on the web today, but with everything that has happened in Boston our newsroom was pretty crazy today. I promise we will get it up for you next week!
Till next time...
Stacy 
Behind The Scenes: All For The Hall Rehearsals
Happy Monday,
It sure isn't a bad Monday morning when you get to walk into a private reheasral and hear Tim McGraw and Trace Adkins sing and see Keith Urban and Vince Gill jamming out on the guitar!
They were four of many artists that rehearsed today to prepare for the 4th annual All For The Hall Benefit Concert happening Tuesday night in Nashville. This really is a dream concert. You get to see some of the biggest A-listers of today AND know that your money is going to help preserve Country music history!
Artists appearing at the concert tomorrow include (but as we know are not limited to) - Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Rosanne Cash, Eric Church, Brantley Gilbert, Jessi Colter, Kid Rock, Kris Kritofferson, Loretta Lynn, Tim McGraw, Montgomery Gentry, Willie Nelson, Billy Joe Shaver and Hank Williams, Jr.
During my interviews today, some of the artists told me what they would be singing! Vince Gill is going to sing "Aint Livin' Long Like This" by Rodney Crowell and "Can't You See" by the Marshall Tucker Band. Trace Adkins told me he plans to sing "Ladies Love Country Boys", because the museum is full of good ole country boys and girls and that is what the yare paying tribute to! Tim McGraw simply said that he is pickign songs that he thinks touch on our music history. Gill also spilled the beans that Eric Church plans on singing the songs of other more legendary "Outlaws", instead of his own songs.
One of my favorite places to do stories is at "The Hall". They are so good to me and it's such an important part of our city and the great music we all love so much!
Who do you think is the biggest "Outlaw" of country music history and what current artist do you think will hold that title years from now?
Below you will find a few pictures from tody! To keep up with my Entertainement stories/pictures - make sure and follow me on Twitter!
Until next time ...
Stacy
"Beyond Words" - My interview with Bernie Taupin
Hey Friends,
From the time I was a little girl, I've found songwriting to be fascinating. I can remember writing songs when I was in grade school. In fact, remind me and I'll post a picture of one I found in my grandmothers piano bench! It's pretty .. humorous! With that said, anytime I get the honor of interviewing a legendary writer, I am more than excited!
Today I had the honor of interviewing one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Bernie Taupin.
He is certainly a household name, but in case you don't pay attention to who writes many of the songs you know and love, Bernie is responsible for writing pretty much every hit Elton John has ever had. That's right, he is the lyricist behind "Rocket Man", "Daniel", "Your Song", "Tiny Dancer", "Candle in the Wind", "Bennie and the Jets" - I literally could go on and on!
I will let the story I did today tell you why he is here (http://www.fox17.com/newsroom/features/music-beat/), but there are many things that our stories you see on TV don't tell! It's hard to see someone’s genuine kindness through a lens, but Bernie was just that, genuinely kind. I am a "hugger" and he had no problem when I went in for a hug instead of a handshake, he thanked me, took a picture and even walked me around the Gallery when the cameras weren't rolling, telling me stories of his paintings. I have two favorites. One is called "Bang" (below, left) and the other one is called "Scar" (below, right). Well, I believe that is its name, I actually didn't see a sign .. so that is what I assume it's called. We will call it that!
When Bernie showed me the "Bang" piece, the first thing that came to my mind was that he should take it out to a range and literally "shoot it up"! Put some holes in the original! He liked my idea, maybe he will use it (hint)! The scars painting just spoke to me. If you are a "friend" of mine on facebook then you know that I talked about the anniversary of a horrible car accident I was in on April 1, 1998. I have a scar on my hip from a compound femur break. The picture reminds me of that. You can't tell in the photo we posted, but it looks like their are "staples" over the word SCAR. My leg was stapled, so that was the first thing that popped in my mind. It's amazing how art speaks to people. I'm sure he didn't paint that because of a scar he has on his body (maybe he did - I didn't ask), but just like songs, they speak to people in different ways.
Bernie was very laid back. My favorite part of the interview is when his phone rang! His ring tone is Bonanza! He joked that it would of course ring in an interview, seeing that no one EVER calls him because "he hates phones". We actually are putting our entire "on camera" interview in the RAW section of our webpage! It's worth watching it all for sure! I even left that part in there. It's part of what makes it "raw".
While I can't afford any of the pictures that I saw, I really enjoyed looking. Some of them gave me chills, others almost a tear and some a smile! He does offer copies of the originals which are much more budget friendly and the Rymer offers payment plans! So maybe "bang" or "scar" will be mine one day!
It's worth seeing for yourself. You can go from now until April 13th at the Rymer Gallery on 5th Ave in downtown Nashville!
Until next time ...
Stacy
Flash Dancing
Hey Everyone,
The best thing about my job is that 99% of the time I am reporting GOOD news! Today it was just a ton of fun!
I certainly know all the words to the songs, but I can't say I've seen "Flashdance" from beginning to end. I have seen bits and pieces and was certainly familiar when TPAC called and asked if I wanted a "dance lesson" when they came to town!
Since I have zero dancing skills - other than breaking it down on a dance floor at my husbands venue from time to time - so I was more than hesitant. I am so glad I did it. It was a ton of fun! Plus I miss being on stage! Theater was always one of my favorite hobbies growing up!
Come on, you know you have tried the flashdance moves! How do you think I did? Connect with me on facebook or twitter - let's chat about it!
Until next time,
Stacy
My Love For P!NK
Hey Everyone,
That title may mislead you a little bit. While I do love the color pink, I am talking about my love for the artist P!NK.
It's no secret that for years she has been one of my favorite songwriters, musicians, performers and people. I am very open that she is my "girl crush" - hehe. I got to see her in concert a couple weeks back and my mind was blown! She is such a true talent and puts on the best "show" I have ever seen!
While I have never met her (bummer), I've always felt she is a good person. Well, now I have proof she is as great as I always imagined!!
Apparently she saw a little girl crying during a song, had her guitar player stop, asked the little girl why she was crying and found out it was because of a fight! She offered her a stuffed animal and a treat, but the little girl was too shy to come on stage.
To see the video click here!
Until next time ...
Stacy
Invite from a Legend
Hey Everyone,
I'm excited about having my own blog on our webpage. I hope I can write an entry as much as I want to, but entertainment never sleeps and keeps me pretty busy! I promise to do my very best!
I wanted my first blog to be about something very special. That is why it's taken me a little while to write. I finally found what was worthy of my first entry!
I've had the honor of interviewing many musicians. Some are up and coming artists and others are on the verge of making it big, but I also get to interview many A listers and even legends! One of my favorite interviews was when I was invited to go into the home of George and Nancy Jones. It was Mr. Jones first and only interview since becoming ill and going in and out of the hospital, missing tour stops and scaring his fans. This wasn't my first interview with Mr. Jones, I've interviewed him many times in the past, I even got to fly on a private jet with him my first year working for Fox 17! But there was just something different about this interview. It wasn't because it was a "first" or because it was a "world exclusive", it was special because of how personal it was.
I sat at the kitchen counter while Nancy made George his breakfast (eggs) and made herself a smoothie. I watched his personal hairstylist fix his "signature do" and got a tour of almost the entire home! Nancy even told me some great industry stories, one of which was about a voice mail Dolly Parton had left her. George made me laugh until I cried a couple of times and I got to play with their sweet dog, that smiles with teeth!
Despite that very personal experience, never in my wildest dreams would I think that I would get this. A letter on Mr. Jones personal letterhead, signed by "The Possum" himself. To see the letter, click here!
I think I am still in shock that George and Nancy invited me to be on their VIP list for George's FINAL show of his career. It's moments like this that make all the hard days worth it.
Thank you George and Nancy for making this little ole reporter feel so special! I can't wait until November 22nd!
Until next time ...
Stacy
Every Little Girls Dream
Hey Everyone,
I hope you saw my story tonight with Nashville wedding gown designer Olia Zavozina! If you didn't, as with all my stories, you can find them by visiting the Music City Beat section of our webpage.
This story was very special to me because Olia actually designed my wedding dresses.
For my main dress, I took a dress of hers that I loved and made it "custom" to how I would want it. Then we made my "exit/after party" from scratch!!
I can't believe that I'm about to celebrate my 1 year wedding anniversary on 4/22/13! Time sure does fly!
I would love to share highlights from my big day and my Olia Zavozina with you! Here is my wedding trailer! Enjoy! (Yes, those are break dancers at my reception, hehe.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhhdPp9NQlw
Until next time ...
Stacy
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