Thursday, January 17, 2008

"You're Gonna Get Yours"

People in my family know people—or they know people who know people.

For example, my older brother does quite a bit of entertainment writing and can secure everything from backstage passes to Disney tickets with a quick phone call. So, imagine my surprise when a piece of “insider” swag was delivered to my mailbox and my brother wasn’t involved.

Put another way—the banjo saga has taken an interesting and unexpected twist.

My father-in-law, ever the creative thinker, called in a favor and delivered one of the more unique gifts I’ve ever received. His company, a finishing (printing/laminating/binding/etc.) firm recently did some rush order work for none other than Mr. Roy Clark—the man I credit for originally interesting me in the banjo back when I was still losing baby teeth and wanting to be a “CHiPs man” when I grew up.

One called-in favor later and several days ago, I received a surprise manila envelope from Roy Clark Productions. Inside was an 8”x10” photo of Clark with the following inscription:

To Carter
Thanks for the kind words posted on your blog
Keep on pickin’

Happy Birthday
Your Friend,
Roy Clark

I was dumbfounded, and it took me awhile to believe that this was really from Clark and not from one of my scheming friends or family members.

Stacey had to fill in the back story for me—some of which I’ve recapped above—but she also said that, yes, Roy Clark had read my blog. I’m not sure if he interpreted my comments about him as serious or insulting (I tend to come off as a condescending jerk to those who don’t know me—and even to those who do), but I will say that anyone who thinks merely of Roy Clark as “that rube from the redneck show” hasn’t heard him play any of the instruments in his repertoire. Check the YouTubes for proof—underappreciated isn’t the word. The dude can play his tail off, and he’s ripe for a Rick Rubin-styled, Johnny Cash-esque makeover if I do say so myself.

The autographed picture was very much appreciated, but it was more important to know that perhaps I offered a few moments of entertainment to a man who has certainly offered me plenty (Saaaalute). In addition, it was the result of a kind gesture based on something that I said I liked—almost in passing.

By the way, have I mentioned how much I like $100 bills?

4 Comments:

Blogger Tony said...

YES! I watched some Hee Haw in my day as well.

11:11 PM  
Blogger Daddy L said...

Yeah from what I remember Hee Haw wasn't a good showcase for anyone's musical talents, or comedic ones either (Yes we got the show up here in Canada too, it's not all hockey).

Shoulda stuck with the drums though. I can tell you from experience. As the drummer in a band - more ass than a toilet seat! NOT.

Either than or it's the fact I'm uglier than a pug.

12:38 PM  
Blogger TWOFOUR said...

Finally a blog that has been used for awesome.

6:53 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My brother, if he ever gets to meet you, is going to want to be your best friend! (Except for the fact that Randy Rhodes is nowhere on your list of guitar greats.)

We watched some Hee Haw as kids and then some....also watched the Captain & Tennile show (remember the Bionic Watermelon?...wait, you are not really that old, anyway.) That has got to be the coolest birthday present I have heard of in awhile.

Kathy

6:50 PM  

Post a Comment

<< Home