Rory Bourke

Charlie Black on Reading and Songwriting

rory — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:55:43 +0000

About a week ago, my pal and NSAI Hall Of Famer, Charlie Black, was in town from Mexico Beach, Florida. We met over at Bread & Company. After lunch, I asked Charlie about reading and songwriting. Hope you enjoy. Keep writing. – Rory

Goodbye Lala, We Hardly Knew Ye

rory — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:23:53 +0000

A friend of mine called a few minutes ago and asked what I was doing. Watching the last few hours of life tick away for Lala.com, I replied.

Lala.com was one of the sweetest ideas to come along in the last few years. Now it’s gone. Why? Because it was too good, and because they were competition for “you know who.” What do we do when a competitor comes along, and they offer something so wonderful and so innovative, they are a threat to “business as usual?” We buy it and then, after a decent time, we bury it.

When I first visited Lala, it was love at first listen. Any music on the site was mine to hear, one time through. If I wanted to buy it, I could. The price was reasonable. I bought and bought and bought. This was nirvana to my songwriter ears.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a sad musical day. May Lala rest in peace.

It reminds me of that period in American history when robber barons roamed the country, making sure their competition was no longer competition. History is repeating itself.

Keep writing,
Rory

Tailgate South Pulls Into Commodore Lounge

rory — Mon, 10 May 2010 03:31:54 +0000

Last Friday night we went to the Commodore Lounge to hear a little music from Tony Lopacinski, Mickey Kelley, & Loren Ellis, collectively known as Tailgate South. They knocked me and the audience outta the park. I think these guys are terrific and definitely there as writers and great singers. I have to say they are friends of mine. My fifth generation iPod has a cool little video camera. I thought you might enjoy hearing one of their very cool songs, “Redneck Radio. ” Enjoy and keep writing. – Rory

Songplugging with Matt & Scott Part 2

rory — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 02:09:56 +0000

Here is part 2 of Songplugging with Matt Lindsey & Scott Paschall, two guys who do it well all the time. Keep writing. – Rory

MusicStartsHere.org’s First Songsmith Night

rory — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 16:50:41 +0000

One week ago on Tuesday night, MusicStartsHere.org, Doak Turner’s Nashville Muse, and World Music Nashville sponsored the first Songsmith Night for all songwriters, musicians, and interested parties who live the dream in Nashville. The event was a huge success.

The main speaker was Odie Blackmon, hit writer of “She’ll Leave You With a Smile” (George Strait) and “I May Hate Myself In The Morning” (Lea Ann Womack). Odie said it all just right. He shared some of the most helpful, down-to-earth insights into the craft and the path that I’ve heard in a while. In addition, Odie listened to a few songs of the writers present at the event. This was done lottery style, with names divided into several categories of time spent in Nashville. Only those who wanted to sing were asked to sign up. Odie was very generous and encouraging.

I recommend that every one with an interest in or in the process of becoming working songwriters to go to MusicStartsHere.org, the dream child of Doak Turner and Will Carter (a fantastically cool guy, by the way). Also a big thank you to Larry Faragalli and Dave Johnson for making this happen from the World Music Nashville side. If you can when in Nashville, stop by World Music Nashville in Bellevue, and say hello.

Keep writing. – Rory

Songplugging with Matt & Scott Part 1

rory — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:00:26 +0000

Recently I started thinking about the art of songplugging and who better to interview than two stellar pluggers like Matt Lindsey and Scott Paschall. After our session, I realized this video would have to go up in two parts. So here is part 1 of a very interesting point-of-view. Hope you enjoy. – Rory

The Bluebird Hosts John Jarrard Foundation

rory — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 03:58:09 +0000

Last Saturday night, I was thrilled to play in a round to help raise funds for the John Jarrard Foundation. As some of you may know, John Jarrard was a well-known and loved songwriter with eleven number one hits. The Bluebird was sold out and rockin’.

Besides myself, the other songwriters were writing greats Bob DiPiero, Walt Aldridge, and Kendall Marvel. I don’t think I’ve ever had more fun, mainly because I knew the money would help the people of North Georgia. This event was put together by Bruce Burch and Jody Hancock. Also attending were a flock of North Georgians, along with John’s wife, Janet. This was just one of life’s little pleasures – helping out other folks.

Here is a photo from that night. On the back row is foundation representative, Allen Nivens, along with Mack Vinton, Russel Dye, Philip Wilheit, and Jody Jackson. On the front row is Kendall Marvel, Bob DiPiero, myself, Walt Aldridge, and Janet Jarrard.

Keep writing. – Rory

Friends Anymore

rory — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:21:03 +0000

Jay Knowles had this idea. I almost fell out of my chair. I couldn’t believe how different it was, but still accessible to everyone who ever fell in love.

Walk Away

rory — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:16:23 +0000

I’ve had the good fortune to write with Jay Knowles (think “She’ll Leave You With A Smile,” George Strait). A totally original, fun person to work with at all times.

“I Wouldn’t Be A Man” on Josh Turner’s New CD

rory — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:00:42 +0000

One of my personal favorites among the songs I’ve written is “I Wouldn’t Be A Man,” which was recently recorded by Josh Turner for his new CD. I was fortunate enough to write this song with fellow Hall-of-Famer and mega-hit songwriter Mike Reid. I am totally knocked out with Josh’s version, which shows the complete range of his expressive voice. Frank Rogers produced a killer track. When I first heard it I thought, “It doesn’t get any better than this.” I invite you to take a little listen and see if you don’t agree. Keep writing. – Rory