Can I be serious for a moment?



I would like to thank everyone who has been reading my blogs.  When I first started writing them they were meant to be funny, light-hearted stories about life on the road with The Sam Morrison Band. However, there is a time to be serious as well.
I grew up on a cattle ranch in Littleton, Colorado.  The ranch is no longer there, but that’s a different story for a different time.  Down many roads and through a very long, storied chain of events I found myself in Southern California playing for The Sam Morrison Band.  To date, being part of the S.M.B. has been the best time in my life.  It has not only changed my life, it has literally made me who I am.  I love everyone in the band as if they were my own blood.    
As far back as I can remember, I’ve had a certain clarity about who I am, and what I wanted to do with my life.  It’s very simple really.  I’ve never wanted to be anything more than a drummer in a Rock-n-Roll band.  Because of my love of music I never considered going into the military when I was younger.  However, because of the stories my grandfather, Robert M. Duke, told me about his time in Europe during WWII, I’ve always had a great deal of respect for the military.  His Captain’s bars are on the cowboy hat I wear on stage.
After joining the S.M.B., the first tour I did with the band was in Eastern Europe.  It was a military tour, entertaining the troops during the war in Bosnia – Herzegovina.  We traveled and lived with military for three and a half weeks.  It was amazing!  Trust me when I tell you being in the middle of a bombed out bullet-riddled city, ain’t like it is on T.V.  It’s scary as hell!  To say this was an eye opening experience and changed me would be a huge understatement.
When we got home, Sam and I went back to work doing the things that musicians do.  Playing gigs and writing and recording songs.  Sam and I worked for months putting together the song, “Peacekeepers,” about our experience in Europe, and I’m forever grateful to have been listed as a songwriter on it.  So, with great respect and admiration I would like to dedicate this song to our veterans, because the words, ”thank you,” don’t begin to covey how grateful I am to everyone who has put on a uniform and served this great country of ours.  God Bless you and God Bless Americia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pjwhqEP8Zk

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
 Addiction is a powerful force that can cast a shadow over families, perpetuating a cycle that spans generations. Breaking free from the clutches of addiction requires courage, self-reflection, and a commitment to making amends. In this article I’d like to explore the transformative journey of overcoming addiction, making restitution for past wrongs, and forging a path to redemption. It delves into the generational nature of alcoholism and the profound impact it can have on families. For many, addiction is more than a personal struggle; it’s a family legacy passed down through generations. In my own life, I witnessed the pervasive influence of alcoholism as my father, despite his tremendous success in other aspects of life, battled with alcohol throughout his entire existence. Alcoholism seemed almost “handed down,” an insidious inheritance that shaped our family dynamics and fueled a destructive cycle. Understanding the impact of addiction on my life required a deep dive into self...
Read more

Writer's Block. Fact or Fiction

Image
  No matter what you create, blogs, songs, screenplays, television, comedy; whatever it is, from time to time we feel like we’ve hit the wall. But have we really got writer's block? Today when I sat down to write I had no idea what I was going to write about. Because of this, I chose the subject of writer’s block. I often say to my drum students “Inspiration is everywhere” and it truly is. If you’re a writer and you need inspiration on what to write about, all you need to do is a quick Google or YouTube search on the subject matter you wish to write about, and BOOM; an endless supply of inspiration. That being said I also tell my students, that inspiration will only get you so far. Determination will get you where you want to be. Now don’t get me wrong there are times when I don’t feel creative or feel like writing. So at those times, I don’t. I simply don’t create anything. Other times I feel very creative but I don’t feel like doing the work. Is that writer’s block or am I just b...
Read more

S.M.B. Interview.

This interview I did a few days ago on The Mile High Underground, in Denver Colorado. I got to talk about the new Sam Morrison Band C.D. “Dig It Or Don’t.” I answered questions about our show “Turn The Page” and Turn The Page C.D.’s we recorded for Titan Tribute Media. I also answered questions about ... working with producer Michael Vail Blum , and a lot of other exciting S.M.B. news. After the interview they played our song “Rattlesnake Stew.” A very special thank you to my good friend Steve Valverde (Freeza) who hosted the interview, you Rock brother!! If you like the song, please call The Mile High Underground on the studio line, 720-258-8486. Cheers! http://soundcloud.com/stevevalverde/sam-morrison-band-interview?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=mshare&utm_medium=facebook&utm_content=http%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fstevevalverde%2Fsam-morrison-band-interview
Read more