Author Archive
Johnny Wood’s tribute to our Soldiers who have Been To Hell And Back
Posted by: | CommentsOn Sept 11, 2001 America got a glimpse of what hell was like. Most of us stood by and watched on TV the horrors of 9/11 as the events unfolded before our eyes. Some actually lived through the devastation of the dust and debris engulfing the streets of New York or the fire that ripped through the Pentagon. And 3000 plus are not here today because of those attacks. Yes it was hell for the many Americans who stood by their televisions or were near the scenes and watched the horror unfold live.
Photo of this site's Son as he graduates from Fort Jackson, SC
Since that day, tens of thousands of brave men and women have joined our armed forces. Unlike most of us who now go about our lives stopping occasionally to remember hell, they are living it everyday.
Singer/songwriter Johnny Wood remembers 9/11 all too well, being a Native of Chesapeake Virginia. He also vividly remembers watching the news when some of our military completing their first tour of duty started coming home. “I was watching TV and the reporter was stopping some of the soldiers, chatting with them and asking questions the way any reporter would.” Johnny recalled, “There was this one guy, looked to be barely 20. After a few basic questions, the reporter asked him ‘Did you kill anyone?’ He didn’t answer but the look on this young mans face said it all. You could see the hell in his eyes”
Johnny did what he always does when something touches his heart. “I grabbed my guitar and wrote the song in about five minutes flat. I wrote it for that soldier and all of them that have Been To Hell And Back”
Been To Hell And Back is a simple ballad that tells the story of how once they go and serve in a war, our soldier’s lives are changed forever. When they do come home, many face the expectations from family and friends that they will be the same person that left here. “How can they be the same? War is hell.” Said Johnny as he continued, “Only those whom have been there can really relate to what it is like.”
The song addresses how a mother realizes her boy is different after going to Iraq. His Dad knows there is only one person that could help his son cope with what he went through, and that is someone who has been through it himself. He tells his son to talk to his uncle, a Vietnam vet.
Been To Hell and Back is simplistic in style with words that actually tell a story. It is one of those tunes that creates a visual in your mind and tugs at your heart. Like all of Mr. Wood’s tunes, it came from real life. “Songwriting and music is my therapy” Johnny laughs, “I see something, or need to speak from my heart, I write a song. I wrote ‘You Raised Me’ for my Mom and even wrote a song for my wife. I sang it to her at our wedding.”
Johnny Wood has been playing guitar since he was seven, but has never considered himself a musician. “I do have a band now though, with some good friends Jeff Lacey on drums and Brad (BO) Bowman on bass. I call it my ‘midlife crisis’, The Johnny Wood Band.” He laughs, then continues, “They are the powerhouse behind the band and the music, I couldn’t ask for none better.” Johnny and his ‘Mid-Life Crisis’ band are working on a studio version of this song, which is coming along great. “Wait till you hear the full studio version, we did the acoustic recording of Been to Hell because we really wanted to get it out there.’
And those who have ‘Been to Hell and Back’ are so glad you did get it out there!
Learn more about Johnny Wood on ReverbNation , MySpace and YouTube.
I Have A Dream by Kurtis Reminds Us What America is All About
Posted by: | CommentsIn the tradition of Charlie Daniels, the band known as Kurtis explodes on the scene with the straight forward, plainly country song , I Have A Dream.
A gutsy, no punches pulled song that is touching many a red, white, and blue heart. Simplistically written, with an unmistakably country sound and perfect harmonizing vocals, it is one that gets you tapping your foot, clapping your hands and saying hell yeah. I Have a Dream’s message is simple, America needs to take care of America.
I Have a Dream by Kurtis
In a phone interview with Shawn Rhem (lead Guitar/vocals), Shawn shared his thoughts on the song. “This song was came to be after hearing so many other songs like Shutting Detroit Down and Red, White, and Pink Slip Blues. I was talking to Eric, who helped me write it, and said, ‘those songs are great, but they are missing the chance to inspire people. We need to do that. ’ It took us six months to get it right but I think the message is clear.”
Kurtis , whom consists of Brian Curtis, Shawn Rhem, Luckey, John Rodrig, and Bill Gregory are out of Nashville, TN and are currently in the Tennessee state finals for the Colgate Country Showdown, Americas Largest Country Music Competition. With a true country/southern rock flavor that shines in their songs such as In the Right Now and Tattoo, one can be sure to be hearing a lot more about this band.
I asked Shawn, “do you see music as playing a vital role in changing peoples view of the happenings in the country?” “I would like to see it,” Shawn said, “but I have gotten mixed reactions from the music industry about I Have a Dream. They love it but are afraid of it, often cautioning us about making a political statement. I applaud artist like John Rich, Charlie Daniels, Trace Adkins and others that are not afraid to take a stand for what they believe in, we just don’t have the resources to do it the way they can. We are playing this song live, and the fans really love it, but radio play would be awesome.”
In sharing how I Have a Dream came to be, Shawn remembers hitting a roadblock in writing. “We had some gigs in Japan, and on the flight, Eric and I decided, to pass the time, we would get back to work writing the bridge to the song. As we flew over the Rockies, the sight was beautiful. With that backdrop, the bridge just flowed out.”
I also had the pleasure of speaking with Brian Curtis, (lead Vocals), who echoed Shawn’s take of the song. “I Have a Dream is inspirational and the response is phenomenal. What really touches us all is when we play it live, the number of Military personnel that come up to us and say ‘Wow! I really loved that song!’ Many ask if we would do a USO tour and if we were ever given the opportunity, we sure would.”
When asked his view point on whether music played a role in today’s political environment, Brian quickly said “Yes. Music reaches people. I view music as a reflection of what is happening today. Right now. Whether on a personal level or global, music is like a journal of life. With I Have A Dream, we are reflecting where America is at, not by grandstanding, but rather reminding people where we came from.” “Do you think it is working?” I asked. Brian replied “Yes it is! We have been contacted by many people about the song.” Kurtis is in the studio now working on a full studio version of I Have a Dream that in Brian’s words will “blow your mind”. The acoustic version will still be available even after the studio version is released.
I asked Shawn “In closing, if you could address congress or the President today, what is the one thing you would say?” “It is time to listen to the people!” said Shawn. “But more importantly I would tell the American People to use their voice, go vote. Research the hot button issues of today like health care and immigration for example. Develop your own opinions, party lines aside and get out to the polls. Let your voice be heard. Remember that our government works for us, that is what the founders of this great country intended.”
Members of Congress, Mr. President, and the American people, I have a song I think you need to hear.
For more information on Kurtis, please visit:
President Obama Disrespects Fallen Soldiers and Vacations in Chicago Instead (Updated)
Posted by: | CommentsMemorial Day is the day set aside to honor our fallen soldiers and normally the Commander In Chief aka The President of the United States traditionally marks this solemn occasion by leading the ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and lays the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. But not this year.
President Obama instead will be heading home to Illinois for vacation with his family, sending instead VP Biden to honor the fallen who gave it all defending our country.
The news of Obama feeling vacation with his family being more important than fulfilling his duty as Commander in Chief hit every veteran, every active service member, every family who lost a loved one in the course of fighting for freedom like a punch to the heart.
Arlington National Cemetary and the Tomb of the Unknowns
In 1921, the United States , following France and England, laid to rest the remains of a World War I American soldier — his name “known but to God” — on a Virginia hillside overlooking the city of Washington DC and the Potomac River. This site became known as the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” and today is called the Read More→
The Warrior Song is a Real Morale Booster for our Soldiers
Posted by: | CommentsSean Householder may never have been in a Soldiers boots, but he has the heart of a soldier and knows what makes it beat. After seeing and hearing several articles and new stories back to back on how morale is low within today’s military, Sean did what he does best. He wrote a song.
“Both my Grandfathers served in WWII, and I have friends that have served and are serving now. Everyone of them are proud of their service. For the news media to keep stating ‘morale is low’ can have a negative effect. I just wanted to give them something positive” says Sean.
Sean not only wrote The Warrior Song, but he performed it. It sounds like there is a whole platoon marching and singing this, but in reality there is just Sean. He laid down 45 tracks of himself singing and with the help of some awesome mixers they combined them to give the whole Company effect. ” I just did it over and over and over again. I couldn’t speak for a week afterwards.” laughed Sean.
Edgy, bold, with ‘In-Your-Face’ lyrics set to the cadence beat, The Warrior Song grabs the heart and soul of every soldier past and present.
“In Your Face” lyrics like:
I am a soldier and I’m marching on
I am a warrior and this is my songI bask in the glow of the rising war, lay waste to the ground of an enemy shore
wade through the blood spilled on the floor, and if another one stands I’ll kill some more
One person commented:
“Had it been written 70 years ago, this is the song General Patton would have sung in the shower”
When asked about the lyrics, Sean does not apologize for them. “This is what our troops need.” Sean continued , “They need to feel like they are invincible, but more importantly they need to know that WE believe they are invincible. In the situations and the conditions they are fighting in, they need to feel like there is nothing that can stop them. I believe their odds of survival and success are better if their morale is higher.”
The Warrior Song is currently for sale to the public on iTunes for .99 cents, but Sean is not profiting from this. All proceeds derived from its sale are being donated to the Armed Forces Relief Trust. Active duty and former servicemen and women can receive a free copy via email by simply requesting one.
“I also want to thank the overwhelmingly positive response the song is receiving, it makes the whole project worthwhile”, Sean stated.
The Warrior Song is Dedicated to all veterans and active personnel, in all branches of the United States Armed Forces.
And yes……… General Patton would be proud.
Here it, and watch the video, before you buy it to support the Armed Forces Relief Trust.
Are We Heading for a Pacifist Utopia?
Posted by: | CommentsIn the movie, the date is 2032, Taco Bell won the “Franchise Wars” and the US underwent an upheaval before it was stabilized into a pacifist utopia, where the government deemed anything that is “bad” for you illegal, like alcohol, caffeine, spicy and junk food, salt. Firearms are only viewable in museums, and cussing or speaking ill about anyone, especially the government is also illegal. People who resisted where driven to a life underground, literally, only coming above ground to find food.
Extreme? Maybe. But take a look at the way our Government is heading….and watch Wal Mart, who has always fought against giving their employees healthcare jump on board the Healthcare bill. Look at Wal-Mart, “going green” by forcing all suppliers to spell out the “green-ness” of their items. And listen to them say, if its not green, it may cost the consumers more. Makes you think. Are we heading for the “Brave New World” (which by the way the film is loosely based on.)
I highly recommend everyone to go and rent, buy, borrow the movie and watch it. If you have seen it before, watch it again. It just maybe we are heading for “San Angeles” way of life.
Later………Renagade
Godspeed Dragon Soldiers
Posted by: | CommentsLike many towns and cities across this country, my town recently said “Godspeed” to some of our friends and neighbors. Fort Payne, Alabama’s 1343rd Chemical Co. has been deployed. What is most heartwarming about this is the WAY they where sent off.
There was a full blown ceremony with Randy Owens of Alabama Music Group singing the National Anthem and speaking to the crowd saying quote: “We Don’t say, ‘We Support the troops’ but we say ‘We support the troops AND their families’ …If you need anything, we are there for you”. The Mayor also spoke along with Congressman Aderholt who said “You are what makes this nation great, and we will never forget that.”
But besides the usual politics of such send offs, the Highlight was the American Legion Riders, a group of motorcycle riding Veterans that gave this send off the color and sounds of true patriotism. Lead by a Former company member, Randy Ray, this group of riders led the buses all the way to Birmingham, flying thier flags proudly. “All of these who have worn these colors have been there. We want to support them. We want to give them a send off” said Ray.
I just want to say THANK YOU to ALL the American Legion Riders across America and a special Thanks to The Local Chapter here in NE Alabama. You show us all True Patriotism in Action, for sometimes it is the simple gestures such as riding a motorcycle along side a bus that will give our soldiers a memory to cling to in the tough days ahead.
Godspeed… Dragon Soldiers …Godspeed.
