Scott Wynn
WYNN - Wynn At The Movies And Info!~
About Half – Of us feel good about returning to a movie theater (Cinemasafe)
NBC - WILL NOT air the Golden Globes next year (Story)
Box Office Results - Wrath Of Man / Demon Slayer / Mortal Combat / Godzilla Kong
New This Week – Spiral From The Book Of Saw / Those Who Wish Me Dead
May 13 – The original Top Gun is being re-released to movie theaters this weekend (Story)
Emily Blunt - She stars in the new Western drama The English for Amazon Studios (Story)
Edward Norton - Has joined the cast for the Knives Out sequel (Story)
NBC - Has renewed Days of Our Lives for two additional years, taking it to a 58th season (Story)
This Weekend – Check out my Country Music Memory Lane (link)
WYNN - COUNTRY MUSIC MEMORY LANE - Great Country Duets Part 1
Maria asked me why so many country stars record duets. Great question, as it has a real history in country from Conway and Loretta, all the way up to today's Keith Urban and Pink. Many times it's to showcase a star with a far bigger star for larger recognition and exposure. There is often a lot of strategy to them for marketing and sales success. And sometimes it's just two power stars recording a can't miss song. Over the next few weeks we will look at some of the really big duets in our history. (There are too many to list them all)
It will be fun to look back and maybe introduce you to some you may have never heard or forgotten about. Some seem mismatched, but they worked. We will start with the 80's and work forward. I played all of these on great radio stations around the country. And I, like you, had some raised eyebrows when I saw the "record" for the first time.
Alabama and Lionel Richie - Deep River Woman (1986)
This was a Lionel Richie song from the Dancin' On The Ceiling album, that turned out to be a top ten country hit. It was a far bigger hit country than pop. Richie had recorded the song, Stuck On You a year or so earlier and had some country success with it, but this was a far more legit country hit. Stuck On You was a very nice song, just not a real country song. But this still sounds great all these years later, but seemed then like a very unusual pairing at the time, but both acts were very big stars then. Alabama was beyond huge with us, and pretty much what they touched turned out great. The strength of this song is that it really sounds like a perfect mix of who they both were at the time. This is one of Lionels best songs to date.
Nice Song - Big Song
Willie Nelson and Ray Charles - Seven Spanish Angels (1984)
I love to hear Ray Charles sing any song in the world. In his career, he charted eight songs country, but this was his only #1. This remarkable album, Friendship was a huge success, and was highly critically acclaimed with duets with legends like Willie and many thers. Another interesting combo, but this song further proved that Willie had incredible versatility. But make no mistake, Ray Charles is the absolute soulful the star of this song, and it's fun to hear Willie ride with him. Ray Charles was so great and was the kind of vocalist that really doesn't exist much anymore, he was a true treasure. This song also has been covered and recorded hundreds of times worldwide since, and has many millions of YouTube views.
A True, Much Loved Hit Song
Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias - To All The Girls I've Loved Before (1984)
I remember seeing this come into the station (and the above songs) when I was doing mornings at WRMZ in Columbus, Ohio. We were all like, "What??" There are not a whole lot of songs that are worldwide hits, but this is one of them. This song went #1 on the country charts and was number one in many countries over the next year or so. This has also been much parodied too, but its success can't be denied. Two world famous icons recording a song that was written about a decade earlier but had no success - until this. This was recorded to get Iglesias introduced to an English speaking audience - and it did. They also had a follow up song, Spanish Eyes that was a top ten hit a year or so later. But this song was an absolute smash. Voted Duo Of The Year that year as well.
One Of The Biggest Hits Of The 1980's
Eddie Rabbitt And Crystal Gayle - You And I (1982)
This song was a major country and pop hit, going number one on both charts. It also became one of the most popular wedding songs of the decade. It was one of the very few songs Eddie Rabbitt had as a big hit that he didn't write. Rabbitt was an incredible songwriter, penning at least 17 #1's and at the time was a major star and Gayle's popularity was riding high. This song was a perfect melding of voices that should have sung together more often, and everyone loved. One of the best "love ballad duets" we have ever had.
Huge Song, Both Pop And Country
Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton - Islands In The Stream (1983)
This was a monster hit. Originally written for Marvin Gaye by the Bee Gees. Its title is from an Ernest Hemingway story of the same name, and somehow ended up with Kenny and Dolly. It was another worldwide hit going number one all over the globe. It also was the song that dethroned Bonnie Tyler's, Total Eclipse Of The Heart, which had been there for several weeks on the pop charts. We could have played this song every 15 minutes on the radio and no one would have minded. It's on Kenny Rogers AMAZING Eyes That See In The Dark album, which I think was his best ever. Totally worth a download. (The song Buried Treasure with the Gatlins on that album is an incredible duet too)
Classic Duet
Don Williams and Emmylou Harris - If I Needed You (1981)
Some think this is one of the most beautiful duets ever, and they may be right. This song too was written about 10 years earlier by an artist name Townes Van Zant, but this version really stuck going to #2. This song has been translated into dozens of languages and recorded all over the world for decades. This is from Emmylou's, Cimarron album, again which I think was her very best, totally worth a download. (The hit - Tennessee Rose - on that album is a terrific song too)
Much Loved Duet
From time to time we will look at more great country duets, as there are many. They are a big part of who we are and are worth remembering.
WYNN - Top Gun Day!
There is going to be a new Top Gun Maverick movie (sequel) out at some point. Seems now it will be November after a few long delays. Hard to think that it's been 35 years since the original was out.
Top Gun Maverick
Well it seems they want to get you caught back up on Top Gun, and introduce Top Gun to a new and younger crowd as the ORIGINAL will be put back in some theaters and drive-ins Thursday!
The OG - 1986
So, let's mullett-up! And let's break out the Kenny Loggins albums.
WYNN - Pizza, Anyone?
Everyone has a favorite pizza joint, and I found this link that shows the favorite pizza in every state. Very interesting results. It shows you people are the same and still different no matter where you go.
My very first job was at Mama Mia's Pizza in Berea. I washed dishes and eventually made pizzas, and I think it was for a whopping 2 dollars an hour. But, I did get a pizza or two every night to take home, bonus! We all love pizza, let's see where Ohio goes for a good pie!
In Ohio, It's Dicarlo's Pizza in Steubenville. (Many Locations)
WYNN - SONG OF THE WEEK - Martha Devine
I am a fan of Ashley McBryde and I am so glad to see her having great success these days. I loved One Night Standards, and I love this new song. I think that she has the right idea on so many levels, I would love to see her go on a real nice run.
Martha Devine - Great Song!
I also love seeing social media comments on her songs and videos. (She has a very interesting video chain going now) There is a real hunger for real country, and she delivers. This song is solid and rooted. I feel they have figured out how to separate themselves from many others. Her music for me, does cut through and that's not always the easiest feat.
Go Ashley, for your fans. Love your direction.
WYNN - Wynn At The Movies And Info
About Half – Of us feel good about returning to a movie theater (Link)
Wrath of Man - This weekend – Jason Statham, hits theaters today, Josh Hartnett, Scott Eastwood and Post Malone!
Here Today - Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish
Box Office Results - Demon Slayer: Mugen Train - $6.4 million Mortal Kombat - $6.2 million Godzilla vs. Kong - $2.7 million
May 13 – The original Top Gun is being re-reeased to movie theaters
Thanks Alot - Because of Wrestling and The Office – Peacock now has 42 million subscribers
The Spice Girls - Are reportedly set to film a sequel to Spice World!
This Weekend – Check out my Country Music Memory Lane (link)
WYNN - COUNTRY MUSIC MEMORY LANE - Earl Thomas Conley
Michelle asked me to feature her favorite, Earl Thomas Conley in this series. Earl Thomas Conley may be the most underrated superstar we ever had. I know that sounds like an oxymoron - but it somehow - is true. His music was known as "Thinkin' Man's Country.' He was absolutely pivotal in the development of a far more contemporary and younger country that we still enjoy today. Alabama and Conley were a starting point of real musical style change. I proudly played all his songs on the radio.
His First Real Hit Song
ETC was from Portsmouth, Ohio and after serving in the armed forces, moved to Nashville and would become a record setter that helped carry us through the 80's. An incredibly gifted songwriter, a warm vocalist, and trailblazer, he scored 30 plus hit songs and 18 number ones. The most from any artist, from any genre of the 1980's. (There are some stats that say 20 as there are many charts.) He also became the first artist of any genre to score four consecutive number one singles off a single studio album - ever.
Fire And Smoke - A Big Number One - Changed Everything For Him
His break came when two of his written songs were recorded by others, Smokey Mountain Memories for Mel Street, and This Time I've Hurt Her More, Than She Loves Me, for Conway Twitty. He signed with Sunbird Records and released the album, Blue Pearl in 1980. He moved to RCA where much of the Blue Pearl album, and some new cuts were put on his new album, Fire And Smoke (1981), and the rest is history. Fire And Smoke, the song - named #1 song of the year, and the album #19 sent him on an incredible run through the 80's. It got everyone's attention that there was a new sound in town.
Big Song - Grammy Nominated
His albums were very successful, distinctively different, and groundbreaking. He understood as well as anyone you can't record the same album over and over again. ETC found great musicians to bring life to his songs. He implemented horns at times, saxophones, synthesizers, strings, long musical solos, incredible backing vocals (from his brother, Fred), and a beat that was powerful. He also wrote and sang very emotive songs, gut-wrenching songs, drinkin' songs, and party songs. He was as honest of a singer as we had. He recorded with many duet partners including Keith Whitley, Gus Hardin, Emmylou Harris, and Anita Pointer (Of The Pointer Sisters). Their song, Too Many Times was a number 2 hit, and ETC was the first ever country singer perform on Soul Train.
Too Many Times #2 - With Anita Pointer - Incredible Versatility
4th Number One From The Record Setting - Don't Make It Easy For Me - Album
Between late 1982 and mid 1989, every song he released went number one for the exception of, I Have Loved You, Girl (1983) #2, and Too Many Times (1986) #2. Every release from 1980-1989 all in the top 10. There was also no doubt he was recording the best albums in Nashville. Fire And Smoke, Somewhere Between Right And Wrong, Don't Make It Easy For Me, Treadin' Water, Too Many Times and The Heart Of It All, are works of art. And there were others. The Don't Make It Easy For Me album, had 4 number ones, as the song Holdin' Her And Lovin' You was Grammy nominated. Then, country albums came out at a faster pace, but ETC followed more of the rock school of thought, more is not better, better is better.
Great #1 Of Course - Fun Bar Song
Big Favorite Of His With Many Fans - #1
His image was slick, The ETC Band was terrific, and his music was fresh. Quite frankly, he was way ahead of his time. When he broke in, we were playing Conway, George Jones, Willie, Waylon, Mickey Gilley, Tammy, Lynn Anderson, Loretta, Milsap, and Eddie Rabbitt. Nothing wrong with any of those. There were new acts too, Alabama, George Strait, Janie Fricke, Reba, The Judds, and Ricky Skaggs that were coming on strong. But ETC was different and fans loved his direction. He opened up minds, ears and eyes to a new way of doing country, while not alienating fans reluctant to change. Blake Shelton Watch This recently called Conley his musical hero growing up, and he's one of mine too, Luke Bryan too watch this . He wasn't Urban Cowboy, he wasn't Neo Traditionalist, he was....well, Earl Thomas Conley.
Big Song #1 Off The Treadin" Water Album
As a young country radio announcer in 1982 with everything to learn about Country Music, ETC showed me what he showed a lot of us. That we were cool, young, honest and up to date. That new things could be brought into the music not at the expense of losing something else. And even though he broke new ground, make no mistake, Earl Thomas Conley was COUNTRY! He didn't lose anyone for being different, he brought us a lot of new fans because of it, and did so as quietly as a superstar could. His voice reminded some of the old schoolers, but nothing else about his sound was old school. His songwriting was incredible, as not a lot of performers were writing then. Some did, ETC, Eddie Rabbitt and some others, but there was a line between singers and writers.
Very Powerful Song - #1 - Haunting For Many
History has not been overly kind to some in our format, and he is one of them. But the great thing about our history, is that we have proof of greatness. Numbers don't lie, ETC was a force and a star. If you don't know him, you can easily YouTube him. Seriously, if you love 80's and 90's country, I recommend all of the above albums without reservation, and greatest hits compilations too. He was an amazing artist.
Near The End Of His #1 Run - Very Big Song! #1
Earl Thomas Conley - The quietest superstar we ever had. He should be in the Country Music Hall Of Fame - TODAY!
(As you listen to some of these songs, read the YouTube comments - much love)
ETC passed away in 2019.
1991 - What A GREAT Song - Those Harmonies!
BTW - If You're Brave And Hard Core Country - Listen To - "You Must Not Be Drinkin' Enough"
WYNN - SONG OF THE WEEK - You Ain't Pretty
Newcomer Nate Barnes did a Rising Star Showcase for us last week here at WQMX, and man did it feel good to hear live music again. Nate is an interesting guy and story. He is from Michigan, and once worked at a nuclear power plant. And somehow in the course of about two weeks his life went from normal - to this!
Sarah and I With Nate Barnes
You Ain't Pretty is a fantastic new song and a great way to get to know Nate Barnes. It's a powerful song, a timely song and one that's easy to remember. I have always felt that to really get noticed, you need "that song." And this is one of those. (Most big stars have had them) Plus, this video does an incredible job of introducing you to Nate Barnes who has all the amazing attributes lined up for stardom. This is a song that could really make a move and be a very big hit. It's traditional - but with strong backbone, a thump and a poignant message. That is where we are going.
Nate - Our First Rising Star Showcase In A Year!
He's talented, personable, relatable, and accessible. To me, that is the perfect formula that poises you for a good long run. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and chatting with Nate, and I feel he has the right idea at the right time. You can go a long way if you have great songs, and get to know your fans. Nate Barnes is right on time, after this very difficult time. A new and exciting new star to root for, with gratitude in his heart.
GREAT New Song!
Grab a coffee, and check out this amazing new song, by Nate Barnes!
WYNN - LOCAL GOLF - Seneca
This course goes on the list of, this is really a nice place to play - again.
Seneca is in the Brecksville/Broadview Heights area, and is an historic golf course built in 1940. Historic is not too dramatic of a word either. In its Heyday, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and many other pro legends played Seneca as there were smaller PGA events there. There are 27 holes there and a very seasoned clubhouse. I played there years ago, and again late last fall. Being honest, I thought it was just OK. I have always liked the design, but there were issues. Years ago it fell into tougher times, but it is now a MetroParks Course over the past number of years and it is back!
This is a well designed course with challenging greens and a bunch of sand protecting most if not all of them. This course has as much sand as any public course you will play these days as many courses are eliminating traps for cost issues. Elevated greens too on many holes, as it goes traditional, and I love that. If you hit the greens on this course you are rewarded. If not, it can be a long day. It's in a very nice setting, and the entire place was in really terrific shape. Many tee boxes that can accommodate most any skill level, but no matter how long you play the course, you still have to deal with the approach shots to the very interestingly shaped greens. Fairways were amazing, and the condition of the course was same.
This place has come a long way back and there is still some journey to go. You can see that in years to come if the good things continue there, this will be an incredible track. Seneca is a very nice place to play, and we can't wait to get back there and try it again.
Seneca - Darn nice place!
WYNN - Wynn At The Movies and Info!
About Half – Of us feel good about returning to a movie theater (Cinemasafe)
Mortal Kombat - Barely beat out Demon Slayer at the movies (Story)
Oscars - Sunday – Nomadland was the big winner! (Story)
Oscars - Sunday Ratings - DISASTER! (Story)
Bridesmaids – Turns 10 this week!
New This Weekend – Separation
New This Weekend – PRIME! - Without Remorse
Hallmark - Starting in May, Thursday and Friday nights on both Hallmark and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, you can watch Christmas movies. (Story)
Like Love On The Slopes
Making Another - The next Mad Max movie is going to cost 350 MILLION to make (Story)
A Jim Henson - Biopic is in the works for Disney. (Story)