Eric Church has really created quite a stir with his Rollingstone Comments about reality TV. Well, Jimmy Wayne took to his Facebook page to share his thoughts on the subject and his friend Blake Shelton.

When I moved to Nashville it didn’t take me long to realize I was one of millions who visit this town searching for that once chance to be heard and then hope and pray it’s leads to a record deal; The chances of winning the KY lottery are better.
I went to a writers night at the Douglas Corner where I saw a young man performing in the round. He sang a song about prison and a dog. It was titled ole Red. That slim young man was named Blake Shelton. I introduced myself and complemented the song. He said- yeah, I hope the label let’s me record that song. I pondered his response on my way home that evening driving towards Mt. Juliet TN where I lived in the basement of the Kelso’s home. “I hope the label let’s me record it? This went around and around inside my head. I couldn’t believe that someone as talented as this guy was had to ask anyone if he could record a great song. It really helped put things in perspective.

Many years went by, Blake and I both were on the radio. It was surreal! I shared my opinion with someone who’d moved to town just like I did and trying to figure out where to go and what to do. It’s like this: you’re a pie baker. You supply all the ingredients and you bake the pie. You slice and you slice. You serve and you serve. Although you bought all the supplies and worked so hard in the hot kitchen you only ended up with what was left on the knife. That’s all the pie you’re gonna get and if you’re ok with that then you may have a chance in this business.

Today’s climate is much different than it was 10 years ago and not for the better. It’s harder now than it’s ever been. Illegally downloading has severly crippled the entertainment business. Record labels have closed & song writers have been forced to move on and find other ways to provide for their families. Artist are one song away from losing their record deal. Creating and recreating yourself seems to be one route to take in order to stay ahead of the plague. Reality tv may not be the best tv we’ve ever seen however it’s generates lots of traffic. Blake Shelton was asked to be on The Voice. Anyone in their right mind would have taken that opportunity and would have done so at half the price. This not only generates traffic for Blake Shelton but it helps the entire Country Music genre. That’s our guy representing us on National TV. Our spokesperson. Our ambassador.
When I look back and think of that tall skinny young man sittin’ behind that microphone in a round at Douglas Corner and see him now in that big red chair on THE VOICE helping others live their dream it’s make me proud to know him and call him a friend. Blake Shelton is one of the best singers Country Music has heard in a very long time. He’s funny and whitty. He’s married to a wonderful woman who took care of my dogs foot once while we were on the road doing a show.
The point is: there’s no formula. There’s no particular “way”. There’s many ways to breaking into this business. A reality tv show is just one of many. A parent who has two million dollars to give the label is obviously another way. Luck is last but not least and as we all know one out if a gazillion wins the lottery!

Rock on Blake Shelton!

Nicely said Jimmy!!! It doesn’t really matter how someone gets to the top…Only talent keeps them there!! And national platforms like TV and movies only bring more people to our genre!!

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