*Has anyone ever done something for you that so profoundly affected your life that you wanted to find a unique way to say "Thank You!"?
GIVE A LIVING ROSE
is a television show that provides that opportunity.
Give A Living Rose is a reality television program intended to entertain with a positive message, to inspire viewers to thank the people in their lives now,
and to show the tremendous power and effects of gratitude.
Stay tuned for the premier date for Give A Living Rose in the fall of 2008.
CLICK HERE to see T.G.'s "Give A Living Rose moment"!
T.G. recently went to Las Vegas for the DEAL movie premier starring Academy Award nominee and
Golden Globe winner Burt Reynolds. Starring with Burt is, Shannon Elizabeth from "Dancing With the Stars".
Other artists on the soundtrack include Barry Gibb, Lorrie Morgan, Kelly Lang and Delbert McClinton.
Please view the photos below from the premier weekend.T.G. was able to catch up with Joe Esposito while he was there. Joe was Elvis' road manager.
T.G. & Kelly also caught up with Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough from Dancing With The Stars!
XOXO spots T.G. in downtown Nashville at Tootsies Famous Bar.
Watch the video here!
December 12th, 2007 T.G. entered his
"SLOW BURN CHILI" into the Chili Cookoff Throwdown for "Toys For Tots" on Music Row.
Along with T.G., Lorrie Morgan and Daryll Singletary also battled for a great cause!!
The 2nd Annual Steve Cropper Classic was held at the "Mother Church", The Ryman on October 10th, 2007.
What an amazing evening I spent surrounded by great musicians and humanitarians at the 2nd Annual Steve Cropper
Classic, a concert benefiting the T.J. Martell Foundation, which raises vital dollars for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS
research. Nashville is 1 of 8 research centers in the United States. I was honored to Emcee the event, along with
Steve Cropper and his lovely wife, Angel.
Steve and his wife Angel are beautiful people. What a wonderful event they put on! Steve made
his debut on American Bandstand in 1961. He has written and co-written many popular songs,
"Green Onions", "Knock On Wood", "Midnight Hour" and the ever memorable, (Sittin' On) "The Dock
of the Bay", which he performed last night with his friends, Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad,
Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel, Leroy Parnell, and others. Along with being a songwriting genius,
he is an accomplished Producer, Guitarist and a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Steve is an
original of the Blues Brothers Band and appeared in both major motion pictures. He has also been inducted
into the Rhythm & Blues and Songwriters Hall of Fame.
The first part of the evening began with Craig White. His story is quite moving. A native
from Richmond, VA with big dreams, moved to Nashville. Suddenly his wife was diagnosed with cancer.
He put his aspirations on hold to spend time with his wife. Ten years later, she is cancer free and
Craig is back to doing what he loves, playing country music. Con Hunley is one of the music industry's
most gifted and unique vocalists. He sang a beautiful rendition of Ray Charles, "Georgia". Con's voice
sent shivers through the rafters of that old church! Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel, a nine time
Grammy winner, followed and shook the place up with some awesome guitar playing. Next, was Kim Carnes.
Blessed with the freedom to do what she loves, writing songs and performing live. What an amazing lady
and such a unique voice. She sang a crowd favorite, "Bette Davis Eyes". The next country music legend
set the house on fire, Tanya Tucker. She sang a duet with Delbert McClinton on "Tell Me About It". Tanya
also had another guest performer, her daughter sang with her on "Delta Down", what a combination!
Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad followed. A songwriter, amazing guitarist and unmistakable voice, this
guy is a performer! A true Rock & Roll legend, Mark had the crowd singing in unison and on their feet with
"I'm Your Captain". Before the intermission, Texas born and bred Leroy Parnell took the stage and performed
a beautiful song, "A Little Bit of You", dedicating it to his wife. Leroy has had eleven Top 10 singles and
continues to make great music.
The second half of the show was jam packed with a line-up no one should have missed. Opening up was
Gary Morris. One of the most incredible voices, he played Jean Val jean in the Broadway Production of Les
Miserables, as well as numerous TV shows. Gary treated the crowd with an acoustic set with the highlight
being "Amazing Grace" with a fade into "Wind Beneath My Wings". It was absolutely beautiful. After Gary
performed, Steve and Angel started the Live Auction. The auctions were an autographed guitar signed by
all of the artists, a hand painted guitar with (Sittin' On) "The Dock of the Bay" lyrics painted on it as
well, a hand painted picture along with a few other items. From the auctions alone, and with the donation
from Fosters Estates Wine Company and Lipman Brothers thousands of vital dollars were raised for the T.J.
Martell Foundation! After the wonderful generosity of the crowd, Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals was on deck,
a stellar performance of "Good Lovin". What an honor to have him there supporting this great cause. Delbert
McClinton, a soulful, authentic poet of life took the stage next performing an absolutely beautiful and appropriate
song for the evening, "Sending Me Angels". The next performer, Rob Haynes was a treat. He is a Memphis artist and
a throw back to Jerry Lee Lewis. If I did not know any better, I would say Jerry Lee was living thru him last night
as he played "Great Balls of Fire". Next, a dear friend of Steve Cropper stood the stage next and he received a standing
ovation, B.B. Cunningham, a member of the Box Tops and currently playing bass for Jerry Lee Lewis. The last part of the
evening was absolutely soulful. Sam the Sham told some jokes and sang his hit, "Lil Red Riding Hood". To follow were
songwriters, William Bell who has come to define the essence of soul. With songs being recorded by Otis Redding, Eric Clapton,
Billy Idol, Lou Ralls and Rod Stewart and the 60's would never be the same after Eddie Floyd penned "Knock On Wood" with Steve
Cropper. It was right to end the night with some funky soul in the Mother Church. (Sittin' On) "The Dock of the Bay" was the final
song of the evening with Steve Cropper & Friends. The crowd was whistling right along and was left with wonderful impressions
of amazing people and some awesome music.
Thank you to everyone involved, it was a true success and testament to the Nashville Music community!!
On August 20th, 2007 surrounded by loving family and great
friends, T.G. & his beautiful bride, Kelly Lang, long-time friends and sweethearts for over 6 years exchanged wedding vows
on a sunset, lake setting in Hendersonville, TN. ~Congratulations and Best Wishes to you both~
The benefit concert to raise money for Sumner County tornado victims was a huge success. Ralph Emery and Cathy Martindale hosted the concert; Kelly Lang, Tommy Cash, Lorrie Morgan, Ricky Skaggs, The Oak Ridge Boys, Connie Smith, The Whites, Del McCoury band, Gary Allan, and myself all performed along with our very special guest, Barry Gibb. Below is a photo of me, with Lorrie Morgan and Kelly Lang, that was taken at the concert. Kelly has a full album of concert photoson her website.
