In the merciful, but far too brief lull between of the devastation of Hurricane Harvey and Irma, I got a call from Jay Hoes. Jay is a long-time teacher at South Plains College, and a true Renaissance Man…of the Texas variety. He had written a song called Texas Proud, Texas Strong, and asked me if I would be interested in recording it.
All the proceeds are to go toward Hurricane Harvey relief. Jay had gathered a group of musicians, and a producer from the incredible musical talent available at South Plains College, each of whom was willing to donate their time and talent. I was honored that he would ask me to be part of such a project.
We had family and friends who were displaced, and had property damage in the Houston area. Like everyone else, I was moved by the stories about how everyone came together to help each other. It’s a shame that it takes such a tragic thing to reveal that kind of selfless behavior. But isn’t it encouraging that it does? Kindness and brotherhood still exist.
When Jay sent me the rough recording of the song, he said I would understand why he chose me to sing it. A lot of the song is spoken. If you’re only familiar with me through my concerts, you may not know that I’ve done a lot of voice-over work for television and radio spots. If there isn’t enough money in the budget for a Sam Elliott or Trace Adkins, I might get a call.
I had a great time recording it. I think Jay wrote a terrific song. My favorite line is, “You can always tell a Texan…you just can’t tell him much.” The musicians and producer all did an outstanding job to get this out in time to, hopefully, do some good for a lot of folks who are still hurting. I understand a YouTube video is in the works. Maybe I better dust off my hat and oil down my saddle.
I’m including a link to listen to a clip of the song. You can download the whole thing for 99 cents, and as I said, the proceeds are going into a fund to benefit victims of the hurricane.
https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/chippolk1
In other news, the set is almost finished for Say Nicklaus! I can’t believe we’re rehearsing for the Christmas show already. I’ll have more on that later, but I will tell you that we’re already getting calls for the later dates in December. Those will fill up fast, so if you’re planning a Sunday School party with us, you should give us a call and reserve a row.
Check out Texas Proud, Texas Strong. I spent 16 years of my young life playing other people’s country music records on the radio, and now it looks like I’ve got one out there too. Move over Trace Adkins! The next three minutes and forty-seven seconds are mine.
This is definitely a case of gettin’ out’a that boat!
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