Another One of Our Own, Eddy Arnold, Passes On
Much has and will be written about country music superstar Eddy Arnold, but when I say, one of our own has passed on, I mean it with tremendous reverence and gratitude. Eddy was on top of what I call the high water mark of country music, so it is especially touching when I recall Eddy informing me how much he thought of my talent, even to the point of telling those he worked with about me. Fortunately, we will always have his recordings.

Counterfit & Robin Hood
After a show in England, one of the first places I visited was Nottingham; one doesn't get any more "straight arrow"
than this.>>>

Thanks to my English friend, Tim Rogers, whom you will find on the SAGA radio network, in the Midlands.

Johnny Counterfit now in Stock
New merchandise as well as previously released material is available via the merchandise page; in stock, get it? NYUK, NYUK, NYUK.

Comedian Jim Hager of The Hager Twins Passes Away in Nashville, TN.
In this entertainment and music business of ours, it's always difficult when we lose one of our own; I separate entertainment and music because the two are no longer synonymous. Jim Hager died of a heart attack at 6pm (CDT), on May 1, and will certainly be missed by all who had the pleasure of being exposed to his talents. Jim, along with brother Jon have been consummate entertainers AND musicians for many years, most notably on the Hee Haw television series.

I have been fortunate in being part of many concerts with both, and have enjoyed being around them in social events as well. There is a certain radio/television show broadcast, originating out of Nashville, TN., several times each week, and recorded before a studio audience; why executives had not utilized the comedic and musical genius of The Hagers, let alone have them as cast members, is another stain on the reputation of a once proud affiliation. Now, with Jim gone, the act is still twice as good as anything out there today.

Counterfit & Cash
I stopped by to visit with my longtime friends, Joanne Cash, and her husband, Reverend Harry Yates (Nashville Cowboy Church), while Joanne performed, at a venue in Nashville, TN. Joanne put on a great show, and called me out of the audience to do a few voices. Joanne and Harry minister to many people, and they actually live their faith, which is always rewarding to see.

Jerry Reed Helps Veterans

Country music singer, songwriter, and actor, Jerry Reed has released a CD entitled, The Gallant Few, with proceeds going directly to assist wounded veterans. Reed states, this CD was produced to raise funds for our wounded veterans, who went in harms way willing to sacrifice their very lives for our freedom. It is up to all of us to contribute beyond what the government can do; wounded veterans are in need of our assistance. The CD includes patriotic and positive message selections, by Jerry and other contributing artists.

The fund and web site is www.thegallantfew.com

A Rolling Stone Gathers No Country (Music)
Any distinction record labels and fans may have separating country music from rock may be in jeopardy now that new country(?) artist Taylor Swift is on the current cover of Rolling Stone magazine. The magazine (front page) text "The Best of Rock" is illustrative in that the text dominates the photographs of artists in a manner suggesting (to me) that talent is secondary to title. With the ever-increasing choices consumers have, sooner or later, the focus and importance of (actual) talent will replace media manipulators, and (hopefully) reestablish distinct genres.

New George Jones & Georgette Jones Song
I've just received, and played the new song, You and Me and Time, by George Jones, and (his) daughter, Georgette. What a fabulous, and (as expected) credit to real country music! The song captures the poignant, and tender love between two country music artists, and is especially touching because it's father-daughter. If country radio doesn't play this one, they should all fold their towers.

Arizona Tour
The February tour in Arizona was a great success, with sold-out and (near) capacity audiences throughout.

New DVD & CD available
New for 2008 is my latest DVD and CD, Live at the Country Music Cafe. This new Nashville, TN full service coffee shop offered me the opportunity to try some new songs I have written, and (also) present my voice impressions of singers, actors, and politicians, utilizing fresh material, in front of a nice cozy little audience. Order from the merchandise page.

Independent Artist (Satellite) Space Shifting?
Recently, I communicated with one of the satellite radio providers suggesting the opportunities for independent artists have shifted. By that I mean the provider is developing contests for participants to enter their music, and (hopefully) receive airplay. Perhaps the number of CD's & digital songs received have necessitated this form of screening, or maybe this is an ingenious way to bring quality independent material to the world, for a fee.
Worldwide Counterfit on Bill Anderson's XM Satellite Show
The first airing of the broadcast on XM began this morning (Jan 29) and I've already fielded some responses. The schedule is below. As always, my voice impressions figure prominently, but I also sang a song I wrote called, Taxes & Tolls, concerning my frustrations with too many taxes, and too many tolls; see the merchandise page to order this and many other songs, comedy, voice impressions, and political satire.

Television / DVD recording of Country's Family Reunion
Television producer, Larry Black asked me to be part of an updated version of his popular television show, Country's Family Reunion, and it is an understatement to say what an honor it is for me to be with some of the biggest stars in our "real" country music industry. The studio set was designed as a living room, with all of us relating stories, songs, and humor. Over the course of three production days, some 50 or 60 of us gathered for a completely unrehearsed, and (sometimes) emotion presentation. Look for the DVD set to become available later this year.

"Whisperin" Bill Anderson on XM Satellite Interviews Counterfit
January 8, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Country Music Hall of Fame member, "Whisperin" Bill Anderson, for Bill's XM Satellite show, Bill Anderson Visits With The Legends. In this particular case, I feel it was the legend interviewing me! We had lots of laughs, I played my guitar and sang a number of selections, but the greatest fun we had was ad-libbing most of the show. Piano genius, Tim Atwood accompanied me, and the hour flew by.

A Unique Musician Born January 8, 1928
Lest anyone chastise me, I know Elvis was born on January 8, 1935, and I am a big fan of Elvis, but I want to take a moment to acknowledge the birth of another unique musician, whose contribution to Country Music cannot be denied. Luther Perkins, who created the guitar work heard on most (pre-1969) recordings by Johnny Cash, was born on January 8, 1928, in Como, MS. In 1955, Johnny Cash and Luther were trying to find a one-of-a-kind sound when, according to Vivian Liberto's book, I Walked The Line, Luther began a picking technique Cash immediately cited as "the sound" and the two began developing what has become known as "The Luther Sound."

You may be interested in reviewing my Luther Perkins page, on this web site. Sadly, Luther died in a house fire, August 1968; he was 40 years young.

NEW contemporary songs available
Recently, I've been writing and recording songs reflecting current events. The "home page" features a list of my latest studio productions, some of which are available on the merchandise page. I hope to have the completed CD album, My Songs, My Voice, released by fall 2008.

Note: My live concert album, featuring voice impressions of singers, actors, and politicians, with new jokes, routines, voices, and songs will also be released soon; I haven't yet decided the title.

The Value Of Education
Recently, I stopped by The Nashville Palace (Nashville, TN) and found this interesting bit of spelling on one of the entryway walls; the author may not do well in a Spelling Bee contest.

Johnny Wright, Kitty Wells, & Bobby Wright
Over the years, I have made many friends in the country music industry, and it's always gratifying when they stop by to see one of my shows. Recently, I performed before a private group of individuals, in honor of the holiday season, and looked in the audience to see country music stars, Johnny Wright, Kitty Wells, and their son, Bobby Wright. I needn't tell any country music fan about the contributions this beloved family has given our industry; what an honor it was to see them in the audience.

I'll Bet On That
During the month of November, I had the pleasure of (again) performing in a number of casino showrooms. The Route 66 casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the Dakota Sioux casino, in Watertown, South Dakota, are prime examples of first class properties, with professional staff, charged with making our stay as successful, and comfortable as possible.

On this tour, I decided to include an inspirational number I wrote called, Send God An Instant Message, Everyday, with the comment, I'm sure (nearly) everyone at the tables and machines have said, Lord, let me win this time. My band members, Barry Wayne, Jamie Bowles, and Gene Breeden, added a few Gospel numbers, well received, in addition to my show of comedy, voice impressions, and country music; almost every show was standing-room-only.

Independent Songwriters
The afternoon of October 18, I attended a meeting with the Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International, Bart Herbison. I came out of the meeting convinced this is the best organization in
which to participate if you are a songwriter. Bart, and N.S.A.I. (www.NashvilleSongwriters.com * 615.256.3354)
are working on the (national) legislative level to garner larger monetary rewards for songwriters, and, as a
member, you will have access to useful tools with which to further your career, not the least of which are "networking" opportunities, and symposiums.

While at the meeting, I had the pleasure of meeting the supremely talented, Melissa Manchester, and enjoyed one of her latest compositions, which she performed on a baby grand piano, just outside our meeting room.

Extra, Extra, Read All About It, in The Boston Globe
Be sure to read The Boston Globe, September 10 edition including me in the article, 2 polls suggest grim view of surge. The portion of the piece, written by reporter, Farah Stockman, mentions the song I wrote, We're In It, Let's Win It; of course, my stance on the situation of our country at war is Pro-America, and certainly not part of the grim side of the debate; somehow, I believe a general on the ground knows more than a politician behind a desk.

For additional information on all my songs, please go to the merchandise and digital download pages to hear samples, and view purchasing options.

A Sour Note For Talented Independent Songwriters
My worst supposition concerning music row types has proven itself to be well founded. On September 11, I attended a luncheon featuring a successful and well respected "song plugger" working in Nashville, Tennessee, who gave an informative speech concerning the inner workings of pitching songs to record label executives. When the time came for the question and answer segment, I stated I understood the procedure of pitching a song to artists, and artist representatives, but asked if any consideration (during the pitch) was given to what the retail customer might like. His answer was no, and the retail customer was never considered in such matters!!! To be fair, the song plugger didn't seem comfortable with his honest statement any more than I wanted to hear it.

Imagine that, what the buying public may want to purchase is never a consideration, when new songs are being selected for sale, by music row executives. In addition to this unbelievably devolving method, unless you are already on the inside of what I call The Machine, independent quality hasn't a chance in hell. Any comment on the reason country music sales are lagging need not be addressed any further.

Fellow songwriters and artists, the remedy is to continue creating quality songs and recordings, and send them to broadcast outlets willing to play our work, simply because it is quality, and their listeners and viewers will like it. I can tell you from experience, that there are many terrestrial radio stations, web sites, and (SIRIUS * XM) satellite networks that want to play our creations; they are playing mine, and I know they want yours too!

Making Money in Music means the customers must know where they can purchase your creations. All the airplay in the world doesn't mean squat unless you can sell what you make.

Your web site is a great place to start by having a merchandise page; be sure to consult a professional webmaster on the best presentation and banking facility to incorporate your sales page. Also, the Ernest Tubb Record Shops organization will sell your product in their stores, on their web site, and in mail-order catalogs as long as you have quality merchandise, professionally produced; contact the buyer by calling 615-255-7503.

Another Radio Station adds new songs
I just finished speaking with one of the greatest air personalities Texas radio has ever presented, Tom Perryman, of radio station KKUS, The Ranch 104.1, in Tyler Texas. Tom tells me his listeners love my new songs, as well as my voice impressions on the comedy album I sent. Thanks, Tom, for adding me to the play list!

The Carol Lee Singers Make My Song Sound Great!
During a recent studio session, I wanted some back-up singers to help me finish an inspirational number I wrote entitled, Send God An Instant Message, Everyday. I remembered working with The Carol Lee Singers before, and decided to have them add their voices to my latest composition. The group made the song sound absolutely great, and it was such a pleasure working with them again.

If you have a song requiring extreme professionals adding their voices to yours, you will glad you contacted The Carol Lee Singers, here in Nashville, TN.

Counterfit Voices On Their Way To China
After a recent show, a gentleman from the audience introduced himself as a teacher of the English language to residents of communist China, and inquired which of my CD's would be best to demonstrate my various voices, and use of our language to his students. My ON-STAGE CD is more than one hour in length, and includes voices, comedy, political satire, and music, so it looks as though the talents God has given me will be utilized in the (official) atheist country known as China.

I wonder if Beijing will complain about the trade deficit of voices America is sending?

Showing Your Appreciation of Veterans
Be sure to visit the Veterans Business page, on this web site. Buy from a veteran, and show your appreciation for their service to our country!

Ode To A Loaf Of Bread
Periodically, I am asked how one becomes successful in the entertainment business. The long answer would fill a couple pages, so allow me to advance a few suggestions. Whether you wish to become a recording and/or performing star, you will most likely have to interact with agents, manager-types, people that know more than the rest of us, and (generally) buffoons just wanting to get in your pockets; all of this before you have a chance to make a reasonable amount of money. Simply apply the same common sense you would when shopping for a loaf of bread, to wit, what am I buying, what does it cost, what will I get for my money.

Learn the business of business, then learn the entertainment business, or hire someone with reputable and verifiable credentials. Good bread takes time and hard work; If you slice off more than you can chew, you're the heel!

Professor Responds To Counterfit
For those of you who follow my other interests, I just received a favorable response from an Ivy League economics professor on the topic of my Information Technology Dividend (I.T.D.) theorem, details of which you will find above, under the headline, The US Economy June 2007. I enjoy conversing with people interested in economics, physics, history, and politics.

Johnny Counterfit Song at The White House
This from Steve Brooks, www.countrymusicreport.com:

I always enjoy a scoop...and here's one that the principal has no clue about.

Comedian and celebrity impressionist Johnny Counterfit wrote a song entitled, "We're In It, Let's Win It."...a little ditty about the Iraq War. There are two versions of the song; the censored and the uncensored. The uncensored version apparently is for the liberals.

The song, which was just released, found it's way to The White House, thanks to our friend Clifton "Kip" White Jr., and is now being picked up by some military blogs which support our armed forces and President Bush.

It's a safe bet that Johnny will be hearing from from the executive mansion and its most famous occupant.

New Songs For You & Radio
I recently wrote, and recorded Something To Crow About and We're In It, Let's Win It (DeMoor Records), both now available for digital download (exclusively) on this web site. As always, radio stations are encouraged to contact me for their complimentary copy, via download, or on CD. The song Something To Crow About speaks of "environmental hysteria" currently sweeping around the world. We're In It, Let's Win It is a patriotic pro-America song about valor, commitment, and support for our troops.

NEW MERCHANDISE STORE
The digital store has been added, and is now operational; in it, you will find several songs I have written, and recorded in my own voice, on topical subjects such as our fight against terror, and the current state of country music. I have (also) included an inspirational number, with just me and my guitar. I hope you will listen to the free samples, and consider purchasing these brand new songs, for .99 cents each.

New Country Music Report Website:

We all need publicity to further our careers, which is why I am so excited about a new independent web site, for news and promotion, called, www.countrymusicreport.com.

The site is already surpassing initial readership projections, including worldwide geographic patronage, and most definitely is not the typical drivel, spewed by the usual suspects. Take a look at the site, and include them when sending news releases concerning your career. You will also find out-of-the-ordinary products available, along with other innovative items for your enjoyment.