Bucky's Holiday Gift and more

They say a picture is worth a 1000 words. Sometimes yes - sometimes not, so I am adding some words to go with the pics below :)

The pics of Steve are him receiving the album that had photos submitted by a great many Bucky fans of Steve live at shows. He was thrilled with the gift and thanks everyone. I could tell it is a gift that will mean a lot to him for years to come. Steve - you are most welcome from ALL of us, and we are glad you enjoy the gift and the thought behind it. Sorry there wasn't a card, the thought escaped me - but I did inscribe the inside first page, so that should do.

The pics of Bucky with a gift are indeed pics of Bucky opening his gift from the fan club. As many of you know, a dedicated Bucky fan helped to set up an account with St. Jude's Childrens Hospital under which fans can donate in Bucky's name. He received a card detailing the reason behind the certificate and photo along with the amount donated. After reading the card he then opened the photo and certificate. Regretfully we cannot show the childs photo, but we have included pics of the certificate itself including a close-up shot from Buckyfan3 (note - she is the dedicated Bucky fan mentioned above who helped to set this awesome idea up!)

Bucky loved the certificate and the very thought that the fan club did this thrilled him. This account is going to remain at St. Jude's under Bucky's name for years to come, and I hope we can revisit the page now and then and donate some spare change. Every little bit adds up, and while I regret not being able to donate for the holiday gift I do plan to give in the future when budget permits. (I am sure Bucky would have been equally thrilled with my towing bill and new tire that I had to buy to even get to the show....argh). Anyhow - those are the stories behind the pics. The pic at the very bottom with Bucky holding his heart while singing was during "To Hold a Woman". The shot touches me deeply and I felt I should share it with you. On that note, I am sharing it again today. It is a window to his soul, and shows just how passionate he is about his music as well as his fans.

Bucky Fan Club Christmas Gift Presentation

Steve's Fan Club B-Day Gift

Joe's Bar Pics

Pics are from Joe's Bar on 12/12/08. Recap available on Bucky's official fan club site, buckycovington.com

Upcoming "Date"

Looking forward to my upcoming "date with Bucky Cov- ington". Have tickets for his show in Chicago at Joe's Bar on December 12th and can't wait! I have not been to Joe's before but tons of fans who have sing it's praises as a concert venue. I get to test drive it this Friday by indulging in one of my other favorite artists who I came to like via concert contagions.

I have said it before and even dedicated an entire post to it; one thing leads to another. I started out seeing Bucky, then added Jason Michael Carroll to my regular list of "must see". At a Jason show I discovered Jake Owen (ok, so someone obviously discovered him before me, thus the concert - but still!).

So I am off to Joe's to check out Jake Owen and am pretty excited. He has a beautiful voice and also writes the majority if not all of his own lyrics. Currently on the charts for him is "Don't Think I Can't Love You" - which is a beautiful song that touched me deeply. Especially with current state of the economy - this song says it all. You might not get diamond rings, roses, a new car - whatever...but it doesn't mean that he can't love you. 'Nuff said.

Half a Post?

Ah hah! I caught myself, I gave the leader for "A Day in the Life" yesterday, and forgot entirely to post the video! Check out Bucky doing Bucky things in this great video of "A Day in the Life"

A Day in the Life...

A Day in the Life, Birthday Challenge!

Just a reminder - this is the week for that Birthday challenge! Get out and pick up your new copy (or copies) of Bucky Covington's self titled debut album. Can't find it in store? Ask them to order you a copy, then stop back at Bucky's official site and report your find under "contests". The big day is less than a week away, then our favorite twins will no longer be 30.

On the airwaves, I'll Walk is rallying again, so get those requests called in and tell your DJ how much you enjoy hearing it played.

November 8th Challenge!

Here we go, I haven't had a challenge since the It's Good To Be Us contest...congrats once again to Florida Shine by the way. Why am I challenging you now? Well - November 8th is Bucky Covington and twin brother Rocky Covington's birthday. What can you get for the boy that has most everything he can want? How about a firm nudge on CD sales! I challenge YOU the fans to go out the week of Nov 9th and buy yourself a new copy or three of Bucky's self titled debut CD. This is a great time for you to share the Bucky with those on your holiday gift giving list AND push those sales higher. Buck has held his sales steady for the last month or two, but I want to give a good push for the boys birthday.

So get out there, look for a copy or 3 of that CD! If you are at Target or Walmart don't forget to get a count and note the display so that you can enter Bucky's current contest at the Official Bucky site. This is your chance to share everything Bucky including top 10 hit "I'll Walk" with everyone around you. I am getting 2 for sure, so everyone get out there and get that CD!

Also throw in an extra request for I'll Walk today for Deb, our guru for all things Bucky. Today is her birthday - wahoo! Cake, candles - top 10 hit. What more can a girl ask for? Bump up your requests a notch or two over the upcoming weeks and lets get that baby to #1!!!

In Case You Weren't Paying Attention...

Alright - I have to say it. Steve Cook (the bass player Steve, not the guitar player Steve *that note intended for jaded journalist*) is one of my favorite people in the band. Yeah, there are some other great members. Bucky comes to mind (hehe), and then there is Rocky, and Ducky too. Can't forget Scott and of course Tom...oh and Brian is awesome too. But really, Steve is one of my favorites . *EDIT* OMG - I forgot Jeff - Jeff, you are one of my favorite people too, honest! ***and Terra, and Katherine - and anyone who happens to ride on the bus more than once a year!

Recently a jaded journalist (see above) wrote what is best described as a scathing recap - 'nuff said. He deserves no further attention, except what Steve had to say on the deal... "Because really – shouldn’t you judge for yourself?" Check Steve's Shiny Bass blog for the rest of his very enlightening take; Steve Cook | Shiny Bass | Journal

Meanwhile - don't forget to check Bucky's MySpace page today - that trivia contest should be updated and be ready to text to win!

#9 Baby!

This morning finds Bucky Coving- ton's "I'll Walk" firmly planted in the #9 slot on Mediabase weighted. Way to go Bucky and each and every fan who has dialed themselves silly requesting "I'll Walk"! Keep going, lets push this baby up!

Bon Voyage Little Buddies!

If you are having an odd sense of deja vu, that is ok. So am I. The beloved Bucky Buddies have spent the summer and part of the fall desperately trying to break free from mine and Buckyfan3's homes. Murphy's Law has been involved in each and every failed attempt, along with some astronomy most likely ("the stars are not aligned"). Anyhow - the little buggers have been staying rent free for FAR too long and is time to kick them to the curb.

This upcoming week they will be heading to their forever homes, split just a bit off from down the middle, a herd of painfully cute plushes are headed to Milwaukee Children's Hospital on Monday, and the rest of the pack will be making their trip hopefully Tuesday to Ronald McDonald House - Madison. I have taken photos along the way - if you flip back a few pages you should be able to see them, if they aren't there, click the Bucky Buddies Blog link. Tonight I had a chance to finish getting them ready, and then shot some photos of the crew in their travel bags and ready to go.

If you have missed the Bucky Buddy discussion - Bucky Buddies are plush animals lovingly selected by Bucky Covington fans who in Bucky's name will be heading off to live with children who are under treatment at hospitals. (We tried St. Judes, they don't take plush animals - and we already had them all set to go.) So each Buddy has a hang tag "Bucky's Buddies" that hangs around their neck. The tag is denim and super cute (Buckyfan3 - you rock girl!) With the plush goes a Bucky poster (courtesy of me) and a personal note autographed by Bucky (Bucky - you rock too!) The icing on the cake came courtesy of Lyric Street. Each Buddy is accompanied by a self titled Bucky Covington CD. I need to thank Deb for helping facilitate that - and Lyric Street for coming through.

The buddies will be moving into their new homes just prior to the holidays which should help bring a smile or 60 to the kids, and Bucky's debut CD will provide something to sing along with while they wait for the sophomore release. The blame for this goes to the "It's Good To Be Us" contest - pesky thing that it was, this idea was born of it (Buckyfan3, did I mention you rock?!) and has been literally months in the planning. Powers that be willing, it is something we will repeat yearly, hopefully with Lyric Street's blessings. Enjoy the pics - and wish the little guys good luck with their new families!

Is It Lonely at the Top?

Gosh no! Bucky's I'll Walk has topped the chats - at #1 on the Music Row Chart. Wahoo!!!! Keep on requesting, we can make this happen on Billboard, Radio and Records, Mediabase - and any other charts that might be lurking out there.

Thanks to Buckymouse on the BCO boards for this fantastic news!

New Contest!

It looks like Music City Networks has snuck in another contest on the Bucky Covington official website. And this is one we do every time we set foot in a Wal-Mart or Target, so easy enough to do! MCN wants you to check your local Target's and Wal-Mart's for Bucky's CD.

They want to know:

• How many are in stock?
• Is the CD in the New Release, Country, or Best Seller section?
• Is it displayed at the end of a row (end cap) or in the regular bins?
• How much does the CD cost?

And just to give a little added incentive they are offering prizes, wahoo!!!

• Grand Prize: 8x10, CD, t-shirt and hat - ALL autographed by Bucky!
• 15 Runner-up Prizes: autographed 8x10

Each fan who participates will also be automatically entered to win.

So how do you participate you ask!? Why go to Bucky's site - you don't even need to be an official fan club member for this one, just register for MCN. Click on the home page, then click Contests. It explains how to enter your info and has a handy "submit" button to go along with that.

I have checked 2 stores thusfar - and was entirely bummed to find not a single CD where formerly 3-4 had been found. The header card is gone too, not sure if someone is walking off with them - or if they aren't stocking it anymore. Hopefully by reporting that, MCN and Lyric Street can work to get the CD's back in stock in time for the holidays!

Happy Wednesday!

And the connection is....?

So I stumbled into an online auction for an autographed guitar, and thought - well, that is cool - who autographed it? The answer: Cast and crew of Big Brother. See for yourself CBS Big Brother signed guitar (Former HG's &Production) - eBay (item 190258478502 end time Oct-20-08 19:00:00 PDT)

Now I officially confess to being a Reality TV-a-holic...fortunately I am able to keep it slightly controlled through the modern miracle of network TV (wahoo!) So I have been known to watch most everything they put in front of me if it involves watching someone else live. Perhaps a bit voyeuristic? Who knows. If I am, many are equally guilty as evidenced by ratings.

I have been known to watch "So You Think You Can Dance", "Dancing with the Stars", "Survivor", "Next Top Model", "Amazing Race"...and yes, shocking..."American Idol"! As for the above mentioned guitar - yep, they have me too, I watch "Big Brother". Nothing more amusing than a bunch of lab mice trying to sort things out without killing each other, all the while having every moment filmed.

So when I saw the autographed guitar, my first thought was - COOL! Then I thought about it a bit more...aside from Evel Dick, I don't see any major connection between a guitar, and the theme of the show. They don't try and start a rock band while living in the house (thank you very much), they were lucky enough to score some video games - I think Guitar Hero might have been one, but umm...still not a major connection. So what is the allure with the guitar for me? Nothing - zip, zilch, nada. Were they house guests and crew to sign oh, I don't know - the Power of Veto box - that I would go for. Autographs on the wheel of doom that they put those keys in? You betcha, I would be game for that too. Even that rubber ducky that spent the summer cruising in circles in the little pool...at least the ducky was there. Sign the ducky, and I have a memento of the show.

Comparison - lets say you are a big fan of "Amazing Race" - so they hold an auction for a pair of Mark Ballas dancing shoes. Sweet - dancing shoes...and those relate to Amazing Race how???? Give me one of those cool "detour" cards, that to me screams "Amazing Race"; dancing shoes? Not so much.

So I am not bidding on the guitar - if you do, good luck in the auction. If you see the "Power of Veto" box up for sale, give me a shout. I am heading off next week to see Jason Michael Carroll, Trace Adkins and Craig Morgan - maybe they will have some Bucky Covington merchandise for sale...

Trace's New Video

Check out Bucky Covington's former (and certainly future) tour pal, Trace Adkins new video for Muddy Waters.

Q106FM Madison's Country | Photo Album |

The radio station that sponsored the St Judes event has their pictures up - lots of fantastic Bucky Covington ones, along with John Michael Montgomery and Joe Nichols. It was a fantastic event and a full house as the pics will show! Have a great Monday!

Q106FM Madison's Country | Photo Album |

Take Me Back...

If you haven't seen it yet - check out the fantastic video of Bucky Covington singing 'Ol Kentuck - it is amazing, awesome - and totally cool too. Includes lots of clips from shows, some outtakes plus behind the scenes clips - all most skillfully edited together to make one head bangin' video. Enjoy!

Bucky Covington - Ol' Kentuck

Day Late and a Dollar Short?

As usual, here I am - right on time as promised - give or take a day or two. Sorry for the delay, busy weekend and was trying to recover from my Bucky Covington show - plus trying to figure out how fast I can get to the next one. Morris IL's Grundy Corn Festival was on my "places I wanted to be" list, but it just didn't happen. Fortunately I still got to take in the Storyteller's show, so got my dose of Bucky along with the added perks of John Michael Montgomery and Joe Nichols. I have to say - John Michael Montgomery has been through hell and back a couple of times over - and his music is no worse for the wear. He played some great songs, including the emotional "Letters From Home" which he dedicated to Joshua Michael Scott who had flown helicopter overseas and was killed in the line of duty. It was quite emotional for the audience, as Joshua's uncle mentioned the song and told John how much the song meant, so John promised he would play it and dedicate it to the family and memory of Joshua.

Edited to include link to the video clip where John Michael Montgomery listens to the story about Joshua Michael Scott
YouTube - Joe Nichols & John Michael Montgomery @ Q106 Storytellers Jam 6

It really brought to light the current situation overseas, and while I do not know anyone serving presently - if I talk to one or two people, one of them WILL know someone who is or has fought. I want them home, all of them. This war has gone on too long for there to be no end in site. I don't want another killed in the line of duty, or shot down during missions - or even taken prisoner. I am tired of it and I want it over. I cannot begin to thank ALL of the country artists who have contributed songs to the cause, dedicated to the troops or to family - Trace Adkin's Arlington is another one that will tug right at your heart strings and bring you smack down to earth where you can think about things. So to all the songwriters and the artists - thank you for putting words and music behind our thoughts and sharing them with the world. I can't begin to guess how many lives those songs have affected, but I am sure it is in the 10s of millions.

As I mentioned, Joe Nichols was the other artist at the show. He has a gorgeous voice that cuts the air like silk. If I could hear angels sing, they might well sound like Joe. He has had some issues over the years too but has come out a better man both personally and muscially. He told the story of his first #1 song on the radio - he went to get gas to go to the #1 party - and all he had was 84 cents in his ash tray - he put that in and went to the party, then borrowed $20 from his manager. So there he is, #1 song - and has a whopping 84 cents. Things are looking up though, he and the Mrs. recently purchased Vespa type scooters - they can go alot further now on that 84 cents.

And of course - the main purpose of this blog, Bucky. Bucky was fantastic, as has been shown on a live video posted over on YouTube - his I'll Walk performance was one for the record books. Definitely worthy of the standing ovation it received, and worth your time to head over to YouTube and google "Storytellers". There are a number of clips from the show, but that was an amazing moment and it is all captured on digital.

Also had a chance to talk with Bucky after the show which was great - nothing like spending 10 or so minutes just chatting about this, that, and the other thing. Talked to him about St. Judes, and we had a chance to bring up the account that has been set up in his name for Country Cares. He is very excited about this and hopefully we can get this together. If you have not already, take a visit over to St Judes Fan Club Challenge and give what you can in Bucky's name. Looks like he is on the bottom right. All donations in his name will be tallied and the artist will be updated periodically. This is an ongoing account, but we are hoping to present him with his first "tally" near the holidays.

Enough for now - hope your week goes great!

Artist of the Day!

Bucky Covington got top honors over at New Music Reviews - Home of DJ Willis. Bucky was highlighted Friday as the Artist of the Day. Click and go. Bucky Covington | New Music Reviews - Home of DJ Willis

Also posted my recap of the St Jude's show over on BCO - I will add a bit more news here tomorrow from that show, but be sure and check out the recap and pics on the official Bucky site.

Meanwhile - have a great Saturday!

Slow Learner?

It is official - Bucky Covington's road manager Don Harris' last gig as tour manager has happened - this past weekend in New York. I am terribly bummed about this, but wish the best to Don. Hopefully he isn't "leaving" so much as branching out. If anyone has info, please let me know.

So out with the old (sorry Don - had to say it!) and in with the new. Mick Cyrus is the new tour manager, and is half brother to Billy Ray Cyrus. I hopefully will get a chance to see/talk to Mick at the upcoming show, but it is going to be awkward. Finally had Don figured out, and then they go and change things up.

So first the band changed - now the manager. The music industry is a dynamic one to say the least, with things constantly in motion. My other favorite artist (read below for a hint, cooties post) also has a new road manager - and recently "lost" one of his main band members to another artist. A bit confusing going to a show and looking around for "Dan", even asking the DJ's about him - only to find out there is no "Dan". "Dan" also went to another artist. So if I really dig the tour managers - am I supposed to follow them with their new artists, plus the old artist with the new manager - plus the new artists of old band members? There are only 365 days in a year (well, most of the time...) and I don't see how I can possibly keep up with all these people who I have grown fond of, much less make it out to see them. A few of them hold special places on my myspace list, but others were never added and now are mere memories.

Tonight I will crack open a lite and say a toast to my friends past. To Don, Shaun B, Hans, Dan and Trey - I wish you nothing but the best and I hope our paths will cross again. To Shaun M, Collin, Steve, Jeff, Tom, Scott, Bruce and Mick - welcome and hope you can stay a while.

A little behind...

Sorry I have fallen a big "behind", have my big date with Bucky this Thursday - yippee! Not to brag, but I also have a date with John Michael Montgomery AND Joe Nichols. I haven't been on a triple date since the Raisin' the Bar tour (which was one fine tour - which I would love to see revisited in the future).

Regarding the aforementioned medical situation, things are looking pretty good. It does not look cancerous, but we will leave that to the pathologists. If you can spare a few thoughts this way and maybe even a prayer or two, it would be greatly appreciated.

Oh geeez, 3 days til the show? What do I wear? It is still shorts weather - but on the cusp of jeans - shorts and sandals? Jeans and cowboy boots? Decisions decisions - thank goodness I have a couple days to compare the options - plus wait for the weather forecast. Have a good week, will try and get in another update prior to my "date" :)

Thought Depository

So things are really rocking and rolling with Bucky's devoted crew of fans organizing donations to St. Judes. Going to be awesome to get together and do this as a group without all the pressures of a contest. Just being kind and giving, it is a nice feeling.

On other fronts - I am in a bit of a fix over a medical situation with a close family member. No official word thus far as to exactly what the "situation" is. I can disclose that it involves an ovary and a cyst, and eventual surgery. It is not my ovary nor my cyst, but the diagnosis once that time comes it may well have a very large effect on my reality. Time will tell, and I will try and update as I feel it is necessary.

Also looking forward to next weeks Bucky show - I have no idea what to expect, but I am thinking it will be like one of those "unplugged" sort of things - maybe Steve and Ducky, with Bucky of course. Should be a great time, never seen the co-headliners either - hopefully I like them but don't fall in love, I can only afford so many indulgences.

Bringin' Back the Bucky

Oooh happy dance! Thanks to one of my myspace friends - I have been oh so enlightened to a Bucky show coming up - right in my hometown! Yippee! Not one to complain, I did get that three-in-a-row a couple months back - but wahoo anyhow!

Life couldn't be sweeter. Seems Bucky is joining the bill with Joe Nichols and John Michael Montgomery for Q106 Storytellers tour. I have heard rave reviews about the stations Storyteller's series, but have yet to have the pleasure. It sounds much like the VH1 Storytellers - very laid back, a few songs, a bit of talking, maybe a bit of off-the-cuff improv from the musicians. I can't wait, but wait I must - the magic date is September 25th. For more info visit: Q106FM Madison's Storyteller's Jam VI
See ya there!

Contagious - Kinda like cooties...

And hello to my 2 or 3 readers. Thanks for stopping by and making me part of your day. I haven't had much to say as of late - that combined with Thumper's motto "If you can't say thumthin nice...don't say nuthin at all" has kept me away and working on other projects.

In case you haven't looked outside or perhaps live in a cave, fall is approaching and the days are getting shorter. The festival tour dates are winding down, but I definitely got in my "fair" share of midway food and rockin concerts. This summer has treated me to some great local "warm-up" bands, as well as introducing me to yet another new national artist. That is why concerts (and country artists) are contagious.

I started out with BuckyCovingtonitis (why did the spell checker not laugh at that?) which I thought was bad enough. The symptoms were terrible, I spent hours glued to the TV screen, only to end up in tears at the end. The TV symptoms wore off but were replaced by the need to buy concert tickets and merchandise. Now this was all pretty much ok. Loving one artist is pretty easy, following one tour schedule even easier. Requesting one artists songs? Piece of cake! I can speed dial 4 radio stations for requests in record time. I was quite happy with the way my BuckyCovingtonitis manifested, I made the local shows and had a ton of fun, and then expanded my "travel radius" to accomodate even more shows. No big deal - only one artist! I can do this, I can cope with BuckyCovingtonitis.

Unfortunately my BuckyCovingtonitis made me extremely vulnerable to Acute JasonMichaelCarroll Syndrome which I promptly caught. It is clearly highly contagious, as I passed on to both my husband and my mother. The syndrome manifests similar to BuckyCovingtonitis, with the exception of you now have to follow 2 tours, request for 2 artists - and find places for that extra merchandise (oooo look, a new t-shirt design!) I was not expecting to catch Acute Jason Michael Carroll Syndrome, but I caught it anyway. I blame the Raisin the Bar tour on that one, so I am thinking that the Acute JasonMichaelCarroll Syndrome is a mutation of BuckyCovingtonitis - but no lab tests would show that.

So I dedicated my spring, summer - and soon fall to my disorders. I extend my travel radius as needed (2 hours max, no farther than....ok, we can make that show, only 3 hour drive....well, 3hrs and 46 minutes is really CLOSE to the 3 hour cutoff). I should have expanded my travel radius to both oceans in no time at this rate. I have to say this has been a rockin great summer music wise - even with BuckyCovingtonitis and Acute JasonMichaelCarroll Syndrome. Unfortunately though - I have contracted yet another condition. JakeOwen Dysfunction Virus. I caught this unsuspectingly while recieving treatment for Acute JasonMichaelCarroll Syndrome.

So the saying goes - one thing leads to another. It does indeed. I can only hope that I can get this under control soon. I have at least 5 more shows coming up, who knows what might happen. And don't even get me started about my Ideopathic DierksBentley Disorder or my LukeBryan Fever....

Bucky Take A Picture

My Dad Can Beat Up Your Dad

And other exciting things...

That is the best simile I could come up with at the moment. While things are calming down on many fronts, I am still feeling conflict over on a certain message board. Postings are down the last couple days and I hate to see that sort of thing happen.

There is of course a chance that I have a distorted view of reality (it has been known to happen a time or two), but there seems to be some muscle flexing going on and for me at least, it is causing a feeling of tension. As I mentioned a couple days ago - request how you will, support Bucky how you will - it is YOUR decision. I for one choose to request both either by phone or by emailing my local DJs. I value the relationship with them and the community, and appreciate the them more than I can say. I do not rush around telling everyone that I just called the station and requested. I do it, it is done. No bragging rights in it, none that I can see anyhow. I have even been known to request songs by other (gasp) artists from time to time. Just something I do, if I like a song - I might be inclined to request it.

I feel that the wedge that has been driven between members of the fan club is being pounded deeper and deeper on a daily basis. "I did, he did, she said, you didn't" etc is all good and well - if you are in grade school - or if the chores fairy still visits your house to stick shiny stars on your chart. I don't feel any of us are worthy of the bragging rights that seem to be going around on the boards (you know which ones). If anyone at all is worthy of bragging rights, it is the man himself, his folks, his siblings and friends. They have raised up a fabulous person who we all love. That is it, that is where the credit lies.

I don't care if you personally telephoned 500 stations yesterday to put in your requests - I really honestly don't. I don't care about the mediabase requesting because it is something I don't believe helps and do believe may indeed cause harm. There is no proof to back this, but I adhere strongly to the "request in your area" mantra - I will gladly call and request in YOUR market and ask that the song be dedicated to you, but that is where I draw the line. I get that if I don't care about it, don't read it - don't do it - don't listen, etc. I find that difficult to do when the topic continues to be at the top of the page with ongoing discussion and pep talks. It makes me not want to visit the boards, as I feel like I am in the wrong for my own thoughts.

A few people are sitting at the back of the bus (the cool kids from school) and the rest of us are stumbling around looking for a seat where we won't get spit balls thrown at us. Not always an easy thing...maybe before you throw the spit balls, you should consider the feelings of the people on the receiving end. They didn't really like it in grade school even if they didn't speak up about it. I can assure you they don't appreciate it now either.

Nuf said for now...but I am still pretty sure my dad can beat up your dad.

Bon Voyage, Little Buddies...

The Bucky Buddies are at this moment preparing for their voyage to their new homes with 60 very lucky children at a local childrens hospital. If all goes according to planned, they will make the trip on Wednesday. It has been a long journey for them and I am sure they are ready to move on with the next stage in their lives. All have been bedecked with ribbons and Bucky Buddy tags - and in fact one has already been delivered to Bucky himself.

On the heels of yesterday's post, timing seems odd for this. As I said, everyone does what they can. I need to add that this is NOT something that we really "could" do, it took time, lots of discussing options, many visits to local office stores, craft stores and department stores for supplies, and some space taken up while they hung out waiting for their pending "adoptions". So we couldn't really do it, we couldn't afford it for the most part, other corners needed to be cut here and there. All that aside, we did do it. We are using the Bucky Buddies as ambassadors on behalf of Bucky. Sometimes you need just a little help to spread the word....and if we had it to do over again - would we? Yep! It might not happen often, but we would sure do it again.

It's Good To Be Us - Not Always...

Speaking on behalf of a great many Bucky Covington fans, I can say that Bucky's fans come in all shapes, sizes, ages, abilities....what began as each of us privately enjoying Bucky either on American Idol, or perhaps hearing one of his songs over the radio morphed into a shared interest with many others. There is still plenty of time to enjoy Bucky's talents privately, but when you join a fan club you cross over into the land of enjoying him on a less private and more public basis. How you choose to participate is up to you, there are hundreds of Bucky's official fan club members who either very seldom or never post to the forums. They may lurk and read up on Bucky, and they may smile at the same posts we do. They might be doing radio requests, or dragging unsuspecting folks along with them to Bucky concerts. As a fan, everything we do for Bucky is done in hopes of eventually helping him. Ticket sales to shows, CD sales, air play, and the easiest and most popular - word of mouth.

I need to say here, which I have said before elsewhere. Not everyone is capable of committing to the same level as others when it comes to promoting Bucky. This does not make any of us less of a Bucky fan. I can assure you that Bucky appreciates each and every one of us, no matter at what level we are involved. That is the way he is, good old southern boy old school type - who knows the value of a few thousand good fans.

Recently lots of fur has been flying on the subject of requesting (how, when, where?) and the level of dedication as a fan that we have to Bucky (and the other fans). This is sadly the sort of thing that both pushes fan clubs together AND pulls them apart. No one has the right to say anyone is any less of a fan OR any more of a fan based on what they do daily, weekly, annually. Some may have more spare time for some extra requests, some may be creative and design items to help promote Bucky. Someone else may have a super awesome idea of ways to bring in even more fans by sharing the Bucky love. Yet another fan may be going through a divorce and getting 3 kids ready for the fall school session - and not have a lick of time to do anything else than to parent her children. She is still a fan, and may even need both Bucky and the fan family more than anyone else.

Where am I going with this? Nowhere in particular...I just want you to know - I don't care if you are green with purple polka-dots, if you live in a grass hut in the middle of the desert, or if you haven't ever requested a song. If you are a fan of Bucky's, you are part of a very large (and sometimes very dysfunctional) family. We are here if you need us, you know where to look. I also need to let you know that we are human - just like Bucky. As such none of us are perfect. Honestly it would be a pretty boring group if we were.

Where to now?

Sorry for the major lack of updates. I was pretty much out of Bucky updates that weren't redundant. Editorials are great - but I often think of them when I am nowhere near a computer, and by the time I am - the idea has gone poof. I have been spending the last few weeks trying to decide whether to close the blog all together, whether to recreate the blog as something else, etc. Some of the options I have been pondering:

I would love to do an animal control blog. It is my job and my life. I have more fun, more emotion, and more challenges than I have ever had in a previous job. I have tear-jerker stories to share, along with ones that are downright hilarious, and a few that would have been potential challenges for "Fear Factor".

I would really like to start a fan blog for another new country artist, along the lines of Buckytown and Buckmania. These are excellent resources for the fans, and a great way to get your one-stop news and updates.

I could shut this blog down, or simply update it periodically. Bucky is an amazing artist and a wonderful subject to blog about, but I found myself struggling for topics day-to-day that were not simply recounts of what someone else had said.

So that is where we stand - no where in particular. I haven't forgotten the blog or the readers, I just don't have much to say right now.

Two Country Fans Walked Into a Bar...

Photo of fans showing their love for Trace Adkins
So I googled that tonight hoping to share a clever joke. Nada, zip, zilch. No jokes seem to have those words in them. Amazing since everything is online and jokes about country music abound. For years I have remembered (and giggled) at the old standby, "What do you get when you play a country song backwards?" It was a joke looooong before it was a song, decades if not longer. (In case you haven't heard it.... you get your house back, you get your dog back, you get your wife back..etc).

So I went wandering looking for other good country jokes. I need to say there are not a lot of nice jokes about musicians in general, much less country music or musicians. Seems most of the jokes were written by folks staring in the window at orchestra or marching band practice. Yep, musicians often started out as geeks, it is true. The guys in high school that played rocking licks spent hours at home practicing and often hours at someone else's home jamming, aspiring to come up with something that someone somewhere would listen to and like. I am guilty of having been in marching band, practiced and practiced and occasionally the practice paid off. I guess in the end it didn't since I am not making a living playing clarinet. I did learn to appreciate music though, and I am nothing but flat out impressed by a good sax or horn player.

I have tried in my "second childhood" to get back into music. I have an electric guitar and an electric bass, complete with cords and amps (I have a kickin' bass amp). Unfortunately these are taking up residence in the guest room and I have no clue how to play either of them, much less what a chord is or how to finger one. At a meet and greet Bucky Covington passed on a helpful hint to the hubby (the aspiring guitarist, that bass is mine!) Learn the chords C, G and D and you can play a ton of songs. That was last summer, guess we have some homework to do.

Steering back in the direction I was headed, country music! I found a list of "real" country songs. I did not have time to verify, but I recognize a good handful of them (noted in bold) and have actually heard them on the radio - so in theory the rest are real as well. Read on:

- Do You Love As Good As You Look?

- Drop Kick Me, Jesus, Through The Goalposts Of Life

- Her Teeth Were Stained, But Her Heart Was Pure

- Here's A Quarter, Call Someone Who Cares

- How Can I Miss You If You Won't Go Away?

- Been Roped And Thrown By Jesus In The Holy Ghost Corral

- I Changed Her Oil, She Changed My Life

- I Keep Forgettin' I Forgot About You

- I'm Just A Bug On The Windshield Of Life

- If Love Were Oil, I'd Be A Quart Low

- If The Phone Don't Ring, Baby, You'll Know It's Me

- If You Don't Leave Me Alone, I'll Go And Find Someone Else Who Will

- If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too?

- My Every Day Silver Is Plastic

- My John Deere Was Breaking Your Field, While Your Dear John Was Breaking My Heart

- My Wife Ran Off With My Best Friend, And I Sure Do Miss Him

- Pardon Me, I've Got Someone To Kill

- She Got The Gold Mine And I Got The Shaft

- She Made Toothpicks Out Of The Timber Of My Heart

- She's Got Freckles On Her, But She's Pretty

- Thank God And Greyhound She's Gone

- Velcro Arms, Teflon Heart

- When You Leave Walk Out Backwards, So I'll Think You're Walking In

- You Can't Have Your Kate And Edith Too

- You Can't Roller Skate In A Buffalo Herd

- You Done Tore Out My Heart And Stomped That Sucker Flat

- You're The Reason Our Kids Are So Ugly

Have a great weekend!

Quick Post

Just a very brief reminder:
CMT's Power Picks match tomorrow Friday June 13; Bucky Covington's "A Different World" goes up against Dierks Bentley's "Trying To Stop Your Leaving". Showtime is 11AM ET, check in a few minutes early at CMT Power Picks and get ready to vote vote vote!

Thunderstorms and tornado warnings are to blame for the very brief post - have a great Friday all!

No News Is Good News

I think that is how the old saying goes. Not much on the Bucky Covington front as of now, he should be wrapping up his portion of filming for the upcoming Hannah Montana movie in the next day or so, and then be able to get back to doing what we love best, hitting the road on tour.

I'll Walk is still holding steady just below that #40 spot on the charts. If we can hit that Top 40, more radio stations will add it to their play lists and we should be able to move it right on up from there. So keep listening, call your DJ and request it. If they haven't added it, request one of Bucky's other singles and be sure and let the DJ know you are looking forward to hearing the new single. While it is discouraging watching a song climb slowly, it is worth the wait and makes that Top 40 prize even more enjoyable when we get there.

On the I'll Walk front, while we have no official news regarding a video for the single - grapevine rumors tell us that there are no plans in the immediate future. This is all the more reason for those of us who are true Bucky fans to push the single harder on the radio stations. If it is not going to be hitting GAC and CMT with a video, it will miss a huge audience that would have helped to push it up the charts. So keep it up, spread the word. Play the single for a friend or 3, and when you are in line at the next concert, remember that word of mouth works! Talk to folks in line and around you about the song, and recruit them to help us with the push.

And lastly - a big shout out to Buckymouse who's banner submission over at Buckytown USA won the banner design contest. Check Bucktown USA in the upcoming days and watch for that smokin' new banner!

Nashville Star Debut!

I finally was able to watch Nashville Star tonight, thanks to it being moved to network TV. I have to say I am giving it a big thumbs up, even if one of my faves to win was voted off at the end of the first episode. Watching the judges interact with the stars, and Billy Ray giving everyone a good old southern wahoo after each performance was well worth the wait. It will be great to see how it pans out, there is some genuine talent on the show, along with a token hottie or 2. Missed it this week? Check your local listings for NBC on Monday nights.

Today I have been stumbling across bizarre little bits and pieces of news. Some have baffled me, some made me say "WOW!", and some are just plain cool....allow me to share:

James Otto is apparently 6 foot 5 inches tall, dang!

Taylor Swift has been added to the growing list for the upcoming Hannah Montana movie. Tally thusfar to the best of my knowledge is Rascal Flatts, Marcel, Bucky Covington and Taylor. I am sure I missed someone, but I am enjoying watching the list grow!

Trace Adkins will be making an appearance on next weeks Nashville Star (I am a big Trace fan, so any time Trace is on tv is notable!)

At the Fan Fair, Bucky sang A Different World, It's Good To Be Us and Another Brick in the Wall. I'll walk was noticeably absent. Inquiring minds wonder why?

While I am not a gigantic fan of Toby Keith, I cannot get that song "She's A Hottie" out of my head. It makes me want to get out in the street and dance.

A fellow blogger has compiled a list of the "Cool" and "Uncool" of country music. I don't know what the criteria is based on, but she lists Bucky as "Cool, but challenged" (?) Sweetpea's Blog!!: THE LIST (don't get me started on what she said about JMC)

That wraps up the discoveries for the day. By my clock voting has closed for the Banner Contest over at Buckytown, USA . There have also been some updates to the tour schedule at Buckytown, plus links to some awesome pics from the weekend.

Lastly - if you have not already done so, check out Bucky's MySpace (linky to the right) for some great photos of his booth from this weekend. I even caught a glimpse of the new t-shirt in the background! Can't wait to add it to my collection.

Get Out The Vote!

The banner submission portion of the contest over at Buckytown, USA is officially over, and the voting has begun! Stop over and check out the entries, and be sure and email Fran and let her know your favorite! The winning banner will be gracing the header of her fabtastic blog, so your opinion counts!

Nashville should be rolling up the red carpets about now as 2008 CMA Music Fest wraps up, and the 2009 countdown begins. Buckaneer reports so far tell us that Bucky was very popular, and that it was H-O-T, both the music and the weather. I hope everyone who made the 2008 bash enjoyed it, hopefully more Buckaneers can join in for 2009.

Lots more in the way of festivals coming up, both the local county type as well as the "whole ton of stars over a few days" type. Check Bucky's schedule at either Bucky's Official Site, Bucky's Myspace, or Buckytown USA. (Hint - the most inclusive list seems to be the latter one, nice work BTUSA!)

More tomorrow, have a great week and Happy Monday!

Nothing Much Going On...

With Bucky still firmly ensconced in the arms of CMA Fest, and the big show coming up tomorrow night (wish I was there!) it is a slow news day. I was wondering what I might have to post. Far be it for me to be speechless, I am a Leo...so courtesy of Google and the Winfield Roundup's deliciously updated website - I am sharing some pics, and then the link of our favorite boy(s), Bucky Covington and the band - including some fantastic pics of Rocky (finally, a photographer who knows how to cover the band!)


I feel that I should apologize
profusely for the obvious and flamboyant overuse of photos in todays post, I also apologize for the absence of a post yesterday - but holy hotcakes, these are some smoking hot shots, and they were begging to be shared. So again I am sorry, I hope everyone can forgive the transgression. There are even more super great shots on the Winfield Roundup website. Take a look at Friday May 29th

So yep, normally I don't post anyone else's pictures - and most definitely don't post a gazillion of them in one day, but every once in a while one most over indulge. I hope you enjoy the shots, and like I said, be sure and check out that website for more! Me, I am going to print a few off and put them under my pillow. The tooth fairy used to pay pretty good for teeth, I wonder what the going rate is for hot Bucky and Rocky pics?

On a completely self serving note, I have a perfect trifecta of shows coming up in July. I am absolutely thrilled to be able to attend 3 Bucky shows in 1 week. I will be "dating" Bucky in 3 states over the week of July 6-13, chasing him from IL to WI to IA. I promise to attend fully armed with cameras and to report back any and all Bucky related activity. Just a wee bit under a month until the "date"s, I hope Bucky is looking forward to it as much as I am .

Added: This last shot has left me both rather amused and perplexed. Click on it to see a larger version, and feel free to leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts! (hint: bud lite)

Bucky on the Big Screen!

While I am sure it won't be nearly enough screen time for us diehard fans, Bucky has been offered a roll in Miley Cyrus' upcoming film -

LYRIC STREET ARTISTS BUCKY COVINGTON AND MARCEL TO APPEAR IN THE NEW HANNAH MONTANA MOVIE

Nashville, TN- Life will imitate art for Lyric Street recording artists Bucky Covington and Marcel when the two appear as musicians in the upcoming Hannah Montana feature film. Their appearance comes at the personal invitation of Billy Ray Cyrus.

"I've never been on a movie set so I don't know what to expect," said Bucky. "I've always been a fan of Billy Ray's music and it really is an honor for him to ask me to be a part of what is sure to be the biggest movie released next year."

In addition, the Marcel and Tony Mullins penned song "Backwards" will also be featured in the movie.

"I had heard early on that they were planning to make the song 'Backwards' a part of the movie," said Marcel. "That was really cool, and then to get the phone call from Billy Ray asking me to be in the movie, this is going to be really amazing."

Hannah Montana: The Movie, starring Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus, is currently filming in the pair's home state of Tennessee. The film is scheduled for release in theaters in 2009.

To learn more about Bucky Covington, log on to www.buckycovington.com or www.myspace.com/buckycovington. To learn more about Marcel, log on to www.myspace.com/marcelchagnon.

Lyric Street Records is a part of the Disney Music Group. The Disney Music Group is the recorded music and music publishing arm of the Walt Disney Studios.

So this is rapidly sizing up to be a fantastic week for him, with FanFest through the weekend AND a movie deal - wahoo! Release date 2009 - anyone besides me wondering if it is too soon to get in line? His new single "I'll Walk" is heating up the charts primed to break that Top 40 barrier which is guaranteed to bring in more stations, and "It's Good To Be Us" and "A Different World" are still making the rounds on the airways as recent visits to YES.com have shown.

If you have a few minutes check out Bucky's myspace (linky over ----> there), he has posted a blog asking us what we might like to see in the way of merchandise, and folks are certainly sharing their thoughts. The general consensus is that ANYthing with either a photo of Bucky or Bucky's name would be a big hit, but we are giving him a few more directions to go beyond that.

And don't forget for those of you in the heart of CMA FanFest, tomorrow will bring Bucky from 1:30-3:30 at his booth, and don't forget the concert Sunday night at LP Field.

Getting Back on Track

Greetings all. I am going to try and get this derailment back on track. I apologize to the readers for the absence, there have been some family issues that have consumed much of both my time and thoughts. Nothing earth shattering, no one is dying or being born, just an accumulation that kept building up until enough was enough. BUT - as they say...enough about me!

Our boy Bucky Covington should be sitting somewhere around Nashville at this time, either wandering the Fan Fest and chatting, or enjoying a little down time at his house before the booth tomorrow and Friday. Be sure and check in at 2008 CMA Music Festival for updates, photos, and then you can check out 2008 CMA Music Festival for all the great fan gear you missed out on. Since I am *NOT* going to be a the biggest bash that country music sees yearly - I figured I should be happy I am not going. Thusly I bring you :

"Top 10 Reasons I am Happy I am Not Going to FanFest"
1o. Can save my sunscreen money and put it towards gas instead.
9. Don't need to lug around AND keep track of my "stuff" (see previous post)
8. Don't need to listen to the hubby whine as I drag him from one end of the fest to the other just to check and make sure I am not missing something really important.
7. Didn't have to battle it out with 1000's of other fans for a coveted motel room.
6. Don't need to worry about being stuck behind the tall guy with the cowboy hat.
5. I can work and save up $ for my upcoming "dates with Bucky"!
4. I don't need to worry about missing Bucky's concert because I got lost on the way there when I stopped to talk to Jason Michael Carroll.
3. I need not worry that the person in front of me or behind me might be FAMOUS and I don't recognize them.
2. I can keep my concert shirts clean for another week.
1. I will enjoy recaps and photos TWICE as much as I would if I went myself.

Soooo there we have it. I am thrilled that I am not going, you couldn't drag me there dangling Bucky 5 feet in front of me the entire way, nope nope. Alright, I give - I wish I was there and I think that speaks for all of us who aren't going. I hope all the Buckaneers have a safe and wonderful time, bring back pics, memories and some new Buckaneers! I will be thinking of y'all!

Bad Blogger....

I apologize for the absence, lots going on right now on a personal level, and I just cannot dedicate the time to the blog for the time being. If you need your Bucky fix, please check the links to the right. Also pay a visit to Buckytown, USA for upcoming shows, news blurbs, concert pics and tons of other goodies.

Hugs to all. I will be back as soon as I am able to commit the time needed.

Catching Up

Hi all! I want to sincerely apologize on behalf of my telephone service for last weeks absence. Dial up and noise on the line do NOT mix, and I was unable to connect at all. Lots happened in my absence though, so I will spend the next day or so catching up.

The first big thing I saw when I was able to get online is that Winnie over at Buckymania has been offered a new opportunity. As a result she is closing her Buckymania blog, but the archives (blogger willing) will remain for all to see. Winnie, we love you and will miss your daily musings, friendship and the occasional bit of rational advice when we stray just a wee bit off the path of being a good fan. Please don't be a stranger, Bucky and the rest of us are lucky to count you among our friends and we would all hate to loose that. Wishing you the best Winnie!

I would also like to welcome Fran to the blogging world. Fran has set up house over at Buckytown, USA and is still getting things settled in but her blog is shaping up to be a real winner. Stop over and say hi, and check out the helpful links she has graciously shared.

It has been nearly 1 week since Bucky Covington's 3rd single hit the ground running with its official release May 5th. We are back to pounding the keyboards and dialing digits to request the song to our local (and sometimes not so local) stations. "I'll Walk" is showing a steady climb upwards, sitting today at #51 on the Mediabase Top 500, and #53 on the weighted chart. The bullets are looking GREAT for a new release, so lets get busy and light up those request lines. This single is definitely a hit song in the making, so lets help get it there!

I will be back tomorrow with photos and more news, again I apologize for the absence. Sweet Bucky dreams to all!

Technical Difficulties

Please excuse the lack of updates. I am experiencing technical difficulties and they should be repaired tomorrow (fingers crossed).

Meanwhile - get your requests in for I'll Walk to your local radio stations! It should have officially been released, so the time has come~

*If it has not been officially released, I apologize. A week without internet doesn't give me much in the way of current info!

DJ Training 101

Today's post is about training your DJ. I know that sounds like a silly topic, but for those of us who's lives revolve around our favorite artist(s) a DJ is a very important friend to have. In all of my adventures requesting Bucky Covington's "It's Good To Be Us" or "A Different World" I failed miserably at striking up any sort of relationship with any of the DJs. It was surely not for a lack of effort, though I did call during the different shifts, and switched it around a bit so perhaps there was no traceable pattern which would work as a conduit for said relationship that never developed.

Now finally (and at a good time certainly with Bucky's new single knocking insistently at the door) I have selected and trained my DJ. I have actually been listening to him for years, as he ends up with the early afternoon/drive home shift plus Saturdays. My job dictates that I spend the majority of my working hours on the road, so naturally the times I am at work are spent listening to the radio. In my conversation mentioned previously, I dialed up the local DJ to thank him for playing Jason Michael Carroll's new single "I Can Sleep When I'm Dead". I thanked him, told him I looooooove the song and so on. End of phone call, moving on. The next time I heard it was exactly 1 week later and within minutes of the time it was played the previous week. Hmmm, well that is bizarre, what are the odds? So again I call, and thank him. It went something like this me: "Thanks!" him: "I was wondering if you would call" me "I listen when I am at work, so I caught it and called". End of that days interaction. The following day - same time AGAIN he plays it, I call - "THANKS!", he says "you're welcome" and talked a bit about a visit he had with JMC in Nashville (and what a darn nice guy he is!) and we hang up, me grinning to myself. Today he played it, I called.....he answered "You're welcome!" so I said thank you, chuckling to myself as I hung up. That ladies and gentlemen is how to train a DJ in 4 easy steps. Gotta love it! Shout out to Tyler Reese with Star 96.3, you rock dude! 96.3 Star Country

Have a few minutes to spare? Allow me to continue promoting my other addiction, check out Jason's very new video for "I Can Sleep When I'm Dead" over on CMT!
CMT : Videos : Jason Michael Carroll : I Can Sleep When I'm Dead