A visit to Sam Phillips Recording

Back in late December, I was invited to participate in a recording session at the amazing Phillips studio at 639 Madison, Memphis, TN. Misty White, composer of the immortal classic, "I Need a Ride," was doing a session with the wonderful Roland Janes, a genuine living legend and a very nice and entertaining man. I had some time constraints, and as the session structure was somewhat, uh, fluid, I ended up not playing a note. I did manage to take some photos, however, and I stumbled upon a disused studio down the hall containing old instruments and vending machines from God knows when.

Life, Libertyland and the pursuit of happiness

I used to love the Fairgrounds and Libertyland, and I wasn't alone. Formidable Memphis band The Marilyns had a great song dedicated to our shabby little theme park. The Zippin Pippin in particular was a delight (hell, Elvis liked it), certainly one of the world's great historic roller coaster experiences, and the subject of this tribute by the inimitable Misty White. However, in my humble opinion, one of the finest-ever moments of the Mid-South Fair was the unveiling of a life-size statue of Dolly Parton, sculpted entirely in butter. The old ways are dying...