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Charlie Daniels, Unsung Singing Hero
· Friday, September 10, 2010
It was some 30 years ago when I first caught a Charlie Daniels concert. He was the backup to the Marshall Tucker Band at the old Capital Centre outside Washington, D.C., and that night, he stole the show. When he finished his blazing set, the audience erupted and brought him back for an encore. When the Marshall Tucker Band finished their rather good performance, it made no difference -- the capacity crowd roared for yet another performance from Charlie Daniels.
It's a metaphor for his life. At a time when he should deservedly be disappearing into the shadows, he's back -- with the crowd roaring once again. Despite recovering from a stroke and nearing his 74th birthday, Charlie still plays about 100 concerts per year, including Sean Hannity's "Freedom Concerts" to benefit the children of our fallen and disabled U.S. soldiers through Ollie North's Freedom Alliance. So much has Charlie become ingrained in the "Freedom Concerts" (he performed in all eight shows this year) and in the effort to support our military worldwide that he deserves his own tribute. He is America's unsung singing hero.
It would be nice if patriotism were in style in the music industry. It is so in the country music universe, but in other circles, there is no quicker way to become a pop culture pariah than following this path. Months after 9/11, ABC anchor Peter Jennings scratched out country singer Toby Keith from an Independence Day special because his songs were deemed too "mean" in their anger at our attackers. NBC put on country singer Steve Earle to sing sympathetically about American Taliban fighter John Walker Lindh and his prayers for martyrdom. The Dixie Chicks publicly declared their embarrassment with President Bush for his declaration of war against terrorism and were hailed by the elites. That's what one does to earn accolades.
In recent years, I've come to know Charlie Daniels personally, enough so that I can say with confidence that this man just isn't looking for tributes. One gets the feeling that at his age, having accomplished so much, he just doesn't need them. He does it because he loves America and wants to honor the military by performing at the "unique and heartwarming" freedom concerts to entertain crowds full of "hard-working, God-fearing patriotic folks, the salt-of-the-earth middle Americans who have fought our wars, raised good citizens and kept the wheels of progress moving forward in this nation for over 200 years."
"Patriotism to me is always in style, but now -- especially now -- we need a little shot in the arm," he says.
He remembers that it can take a catastrophe to make people remember their common national bond: "9/11 was definitely a wakeup call to everybody about our country and about how precious it is -- about what can happen here and what did happen here. It never happened here before, and it showed we're a lot more vulnerable than we used to be. So as we go along, we forget about those pictures of the planes crashing into the trade towers and all the things that went on that day."
In 2006, CBS "Early Show" weatherman Dave Price asked him why at his age he was performing for soldiers in Iraq. Charlie's answer was precious: "I can't carry a gun ... you know, I can't fight, but I can darn sure carry a guitar and pick, so that's why I'm here." On CBS last year, Price recalled, "With all the great acts that are generous enough to give their time, when Charlie Daniels steps in front of these soldiers and sailors and Marines, it's like ... unreal."
The Charlie Daniels Band has performed for U.S. troops all over the world, not just in Iraq, but everywhere from Germany and Bosnia to South Korea to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
Their brand-new album, "Land That I Love," underlines a strong theme in Charlie's music. That's a snapshot of his career, an apt description of a love affair with his country that he has expressed in music for over a half-century.
He was welcomed into the Grand Ole Opry Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville in 2009. The Opry honor was announced while he was working for charity again, picking and fiddling for the Christmas for Kids benefit at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Martina McBride walked on stage with a small gift box containing the honor.
But Charlie has brought a much larger basket of gifts to this country and its fighting men and women. He deserves every honor that comes his way. Those of us who can consider Charlie Daniels a friend are honored that way.
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USAF Lt Col
God bless Charlie Daniels and patriots like him! I was blessed to see Toby Keith playing for us last year at Bagram, Afghanistan. True support like that is immeasurable and I am a fan not only of their music, being a musician myself, but am grateful for their service to our nation and our warriors. Service can be seen in many forms and celebrities like these truly contribute to our righteous cause and warfighting efforts.
Posted September 10, 2010 at 2:07:08 PM
Patrick
You know -- performers like Kid Rock and 3 Doors Down have been very outspoken about their support for US troops and US freedom. Hardly what I would call country music. And in the wake of 9/11, many mainstream musicians pulled together for what was called, "A Tribute to Heroes" -- an event that raised $30 million dollars for 9/11 victims and their families. In addition, "The Concert For New York City" raised $35 million dollars. Rolling Stone magazine called both, "Moments that changed rock and roll forever." These events were led by acts such as U2, The Who, Paul McCartney, and Mick Jagger. Again -- not exactly staples in the country music world. I have nothing against country music, in fact I like it. But I am sick and tired of right wing conservatives trying to hijack the words -- and the emotions that build those words -- "freedom" and "patriotism." We are all in this together, music has always united people, from LeRoy Carr in the 1920's to modern bands like Midnight Spin and everyone in between. Stop being so narrow minded, you look ridiculous...
Posted September 10, 2010 at 6:23:09 PM
Mustng959
Thanks for your service AF Lt Colonel!
Patrick, I noticed the groups and acts you mentioned are pretty much all British. While I certainly appreciate the support the British have given America over the years, theres a big difference in "support" and "walk the walk/talk the talk" support. I've been a Charlie fan for over 30 years, attend his fan club party regularly, and am a charter member of his Soapbox Message Board. Charlie has supported the troops even before tragedies struck on American soil. Charlie was playing concerts for soldiers back in 1980 in Germany when I was stationed over there ... even taking time out to visit a base and eat Thanksgiving dinner with the troops.
Though U2 and others do "some" good work, their liberal political agenda demeans any good work that they might attempt. The Who were part of the "peace and love generation" that had no support for our troops in VietNam at all, in fact, just the opposite.
So when you go trying to compare them, to people like Charlie Daniels and Toby Keith, do your homework.
Signed,
A Proud US Air Force veteran
Posted September 11, 2010 at 9:20:48 AM
Mike
This country is very lucky to have a great american like Charlie Daniels. Someone that loves his country, the troops, and the everyday hard working people. I pray he has a long life and will be around for a long time. He could never be replaced.
Posted September 11, 2010 at 9:47:40 AM
JB
Even Neil Young -- a leftist "hippie" (think "Four Dead in Ohio") if there ever was one -- was criticized by the PC crowd when he wrote and sang "Let's Roll," a song about the people who resisted the terrorists and crashed in PA.
Posted September 11, 2010 at 9:55:13 PM
Patrick
Mustng959 --
I preface this with a sincere thank you for your service. I have actually traveled throughout the world, including places like Iraq and Afghanistan and have met US forces serving to keep America safe and I have nothing but the highest respect for them and for yourself.
But you're argument strikes right at the heart of my very point -- the bands I listed do not have a "liberal agenda" -- they're rock bands. And frankly when you look at the work someone like Bono has done, with the help of both Republican and Democratic presidents, I don't know how anyone could see it for anything other than what it is, someone with the time and money to try to give back. He certainly has nothing to gain from it, he's just trying to help people in need.
I can list many American rock bands that are open with their support for US troops -- Kid Rock, OAR, Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, New Found Glory, Drowning Pool...
My point was that conservative country musicians are certainly not the only ones who support US forces, or who care about freedom. Just because they don't make their support the focus of their music does not mean they don't support US troops or US freedom. That's quite a leap to make, but sadly, one republicans make all too often weather it's music, Hollywood, democrats, all things Europe, environmentalists, the list goes on and on...
Posted September 13, 2010 at 12:27:56 PM
Steve Booth
Charlie Daniels is an American hero. Every year for the past 19 years he has come to Hudson Fl and put on a concert and golf tournament for the benefit of The Angelus which is a group home for severely handicapped kids and adults. Through his effort, more than $1 million has been raised. Annually he donates his time and talents and then buys auction items at significant prices and frequently donates them back for display at the Angelus. Go on line at www.theangelus.com and learn about what he has done and view Charlie's Lodge. Charlie is one of the finest human beings I have ever met.
Posted September 30, 2010 at 5:05:59 PM