I supported Tom and Englebert, Willie and Kris, Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn. I was anxious to support Billy Ray Cyrus and Travis Tritt. There's always room in my world for more great music. However, Travis decided for me that having them both in my life was not a viable option.
I followed that battle closely. When I saw how one-sided it was, how hard Travis campaigned against Billy Ray, the decision was easy for me. I supported the nice guy. I didn't stop recognizing the other's talent, or change the radio station when his songs played, I just didn't buy his music or appreciate his personality.
A free concert ticket tested my principles. If I wanted to see Little Texas and Trisha Yearwood, I had to see Travis sandwiched between them. I went. Travis spent part of his time talking unnecessary trash about Billy Ray Cyrus.
The writer surfaced. I pulled out a pen and went to work. By the end of the concert, I had a chorus and four verses of my best satire, smacking the other guy back with his own song titles. I woke a singer, a studio owner, and a friend who had recently fished with Billy Ray, hoping he could pitch the song for me.
Instead, he pitched the truth back to me. The song was fun, but Billy Ray Cyrus would never stoop to the other guy's tactics. I kept those lyrics for years, to remind me why I had made that choice.
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Comments: 15
I've never met him, but I've not heard a single bad thing about him.
I really like the way he supports his daughter.
Nice story Sandy.
As far as "Achy Breaky Heart" is concerned, I thought it was sort of a silly song that was easy to sing along with. There are so many of those - "Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini", "Duke of Earl", "Monster Mash", etc., that may not be musical masterpieces, but are fun for a while. And they do seem to endure, don't they. So what's the big deal?
Thanks for presenting the other side, Sandy.
Isn't Billy Ray on the Disney Channel as Hannah Montana's dad?
Yes, Billy Ray is on Disney Channel as Hannah Montana's dad. He is also the real father of the girl who plays Hannah. That is why I plan to win. My daughter wants this guitar. Won't anyone think of the children?
Is this guitar thing well known? I haven't been pestered for it yet...
I also want to thank Andrea for the trivia she included in her comment. So, that's who Billy Ray is??? Hannah Montana's dad? I did not know THAT.
Yup, I've watched the show a couple of times with my granddaughters. It's one of the few shows their parents allow them to watch at any time. Lilo and Stich gets old after a couple of reruns.