OVO- real people, real music

[Everett Cox]

Eric West started a "youngsters ruining country???" thread which might have been an appropriate place for this -- but I wanted to specifically call attention to the Clark family's Ohio Valley Opry.

Eric had posed the question of whether the percieved erosion of our music has been precipitated by the "new" performers and their style and/or other factors. While some may differ on exactly what "traditional" is, that's the "country" music that suites me best and it does seem ever more difficult to find.

That being said, though, I don't believe it's the different chord progressions or lack of talent, or even the absence of steel guitar, that is hurting "country" the most. No, the REAL problem is that we - especially our young folk - have become accustomed to glitz and polish and fabricated perfection. Not just in music but in most everything, be it movies, cars, sports, whatever.

Excellence of technique and skill were demonstrated by some of the "old guard" and some of the new/younger performers of today. But, now, "production" seems to be more important. Costumes and choreography and lighting and sexy looks rule the day. Talent never was the only factor in achieving stage success but, at least, it was one of the most important.

The Grand Ole Opry is not as it was 50 years ago. It just does not have the same feeling of "real" people playing and enjoying "real" music. Not that many of those on stage don't sing or play well -- they do. Brittney sings good enough and she's certainly pretty but I liked her much more before she adopted her present persona. Watching Garth run around stage like a rock 'n roller detracts from my enjoyment of his concert. And some of those loud RR guys actually do know about music and how to play -- despite the wierd clothes and paint jobs. But "production" is required these days to attract attention and fandom.

But all that stuff is NOT what "country" was or is. How many of us used to sit by a radio and listen to the Opry on WSM??? I got up on the 3rd floor roof of our house in Columbus, Ohio and strung a hundred foot aerial and was happy beyond words to be able to hear it loud and clear all evening and into the wee hours. Didn't even think about costumes or fake dance moves or skin. Just loved the music.

No, it's not the young performers or the songs or the lack of skill -- it's the absence of "real".

THAT is what is best about the Ohio Valley Opry. Deana and Marvin Clark create a truly fine show each month. They cover ALL the bases from sincere vocals to great instrumentals to comedy and do it in the style of what the big Opry used to be. Three full hours of "old country" to gospel to bluegrass to more "modern" country. Then, for good measure, they often include an old fellow who plays a "mean" trumpet and a gorgeous teenager who can tap and kick like the best on Broadway (NY).

There are fine looking men who sing and strum as pleasing as most any in N'Ville or Branson or Austin -- and don't have to jump around or paint their face to prove it. The dancing girl has discovered a voice as lovely to listen to as she is to look at.

It's a family show -- and a family act, too. Deana and Marvin have a bevy of adorable children that regularly perform. They are full of youth and talent and beauty. Deana is a sweet, sweet lady with a lovely voice and fine hands on a keyboard. Marvin also has a good vocal sound and does a great job on lead guitar. Add another keyboardist, drums and base and you have a full "country" orchestra.

And then there's Mike Sigler!!! A Pedal man among men! Anyone who's heard Mike will know what that means. That guy can play. Hard to believe, but he keeps getting better and better and has started doing some really nice Dobro stuff, too. And sings great! And does comedic routines that make the laughter tears flow. And his Mom does a Minnie Pearl skit that would put a smile on Minnie's face.

But -- with all that talent, good looks, and showmanship -- what really is best about Deana and her Ohio Valley Opry is that they and it are REAL. Not a lot of glitz. Not a lot of fancy lighting effects. Not a lot of jumping up and down or fake smoke - or fake anything!

The "country" that I knew as a boy made me feel like the performer on stage might have sung or played that same way in my backyard. A real person making real music. That's what I miss in much of today's performances. Thank God (and I do) for Deana and the OVO.

For all the above, think maybe they might give me a free ticket? But then -- they charge so little that I may as well just say it because I mean it.

Sorry for the long rant (of sorts) but last Saturday I took my Mom down to see the show. After two plus hours driving through miles of torrential downpour, three hours of show, another hour of visiting and, finally, another two plus hours going home again -- Mom and I were really, really tired. BUT WE WERE HAPPY!!! And, you know something, what gives my mother joy (she's almost 102) is something worth every paragraph and more!

Thanks. --Everett<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Everett Cox on 19 August 2003 at 04:03 AM.]</p></FONT>

[Doyle Huff]

Well said Everett. I could add another two pages to that but I wont. I have seen very little on the Opry in the last few years that make want to go back. I've been there twice, once in the '60's and once in the early '80's. I was thrilled to be there, but not now.

[Donny Hinson]

Everett, that's wonderful piece you've written. Thanks for sharing it with the rest of us, and letting us know that the old traditions have not yet totally disappeared. I hope a lotta folks continue to experience the treasure that you have there.

[Kenny Dail]

I liked it when you could listen to the performers and your imagination would conjure up a visual image of the entertainer and the message in his song. It started degressing when they started showing the videos when the artist was performing. They took away our imagination and the sincerity that was in country music previously.

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kd...and the beat goes on...

[Mike Sigler]

Its Guys like you Evertt that keep me wanting to strive for the very best i can give..
If we had more folks like you and your mom in this world we would not need a heaven, we would have it here on earth!
God bless you both.
Mike

[Deana Clark]

Everett-
Thanks so much for the kind words. We really find it a compliment when you and your mother make the trip down to our show. I have printed off what you had to say, and am planning to add it to our OVO scrap book.
We strive to make the show-in the audience and backstage- a family show. If we all seem like best of friends, it's because we are. We truly have been blessed by talented musicians and performers, but most of all- with some of the closest friends a person can have. You betcha you've got free tickets waiting on you.... any time! We love ya, and thanks for adding so much to this forum. BTW- our web site is up. Still under construction, but up. www.ohiovalleyopry.com