Hey, Silas! I listened to every artist and enjoyed this! Nice way to start my day. Just wanted to say I always feel a little defensive or apologetic when I say I like Miley Cyrus, and why is that? She’s such a powerful singer and personality. I’ve been a fan since her song The Climb. It was good to see her included. Loved all your picks!
In the 25 years I’ve known you and all that you have done for me, especially with my writing, the one thing that I recognized in you was your passion for music and your ability to provide honest critique. I remember when you went to interview Hank Jr. (what year was that?) and you shared privately about that visit and interview with me because I have known/worked for a couple of genuine ‘Rock Stars’ back when my knees still worked. But when your article was published I was floored by your astute and OBJECTIVE evaluation.
This is who you have always been my friend.
One of the best gifts you have given me is my expanded knowledge and appreciation for new and gifted musical talent.
About a year after I won the Gabeheart Prize you called to check in… I think Lee or Maurice told you that I was sick, and I have recalled this story to fans of your work countless times over the years in the category of ‘what is Silas ‘really’ like’… after the initial pleasantries here’s how out conversation went:
You: So what are you working on?
Me: Nothing really…
You: Well, are you editing your novel manuscripts?
Me: Umm… no
You: Are you submitting your short story collection or individual stories?
Me: I am not really sure where my computer is… So, what are you working on? (Hadn’t seen you in about 7-8 months lol)
You: Well, not much. My new book is about to come out. Ohhh and I got me a guitar and I taught myself how to play it. And I put together a little band. We are just traveling around playing to raise awareness about Mountain Top Removal… but that’s about all.
Me on the inside:
😳😱🫠🤯
Me: That’s amazing! I can’t wait to see you all. You always lift me up man… and I really miss you guys…
You: Well, let’s keep in better touch
Me: (lying) I will. I promise. I’m gonna get off of here and go dig out my laptop and my manuscripts…and my mandolin.
It’s taken me a decade to do those three things but cancer and full organ failure tend to slow you down. Like Updike’s Rabbit, I’m in redux-back from a long illness- I can drive again; I am off oxygen after 6 years of being tethered to it; and more importantly, I’m writing again, new stories AND editing the copious amounts of existing stories and novels. I’m going to submit something… somewhere BEFORE you get that Grammy.
Congratulations on living your life in the honest and generous way that has lifted up all of us with you.
And in honor of your Grammy? Do you care if I rewrite the conversation I just shared here and make it my first Substack post? And I am thinking about posting my stories that are published on here. Thoughts?
And BTW… my tie dyes are incredible. Y’all come by and pick some out… or one of my mandala pieces… a woman in Minnesota quilts them! I am just out Bryan Station.
Hey, Silas! I listened to every artist and enjoyed this! Nice way to start my day. Just wanted to say I always feel a little defensive or apologetic when I say I like Miley Cyrus, and why is that? She’s such a powerful singer and personality. I’ve been a fan since her song The Climb. It was good to see her included. Loved all your picks!
In the 25 years I’ve known you and all that you have done for me, especially with my writing, the one thing that I recognized in you was your passion for music and your ability to provide honest critique. I remember when you went to interview Hank Jr. (what year was that?) and you shared privately about that visit and interview with me because I have known/worked for a couple of genuine ‘Rock Stars’ back when my knees still worked. But when your article was published I was floored by your astute and OBJECTIVE evaluation.
This is who you have always been my friend.
One of the best gifts you have given me is my expanded knowledge and appreciation for new and gifted musical talent.
About a year after I won the Gabeheart Prize you called to check in… I think Lee or Maurice told you that I was sick, and I have recalled this story to fans of your work countless times over the years in the category of ‘what is Silas ‘really’ like’… after the initial pleasantries here’s how out conversation went:
You: So what are you working on?
Me: Nothing really…
You: Well, are you editing your novel manuscripts?
Me: Umm… no
You: Are you submitting your short story collection or individual stories?
Me: I am not really sure where my computer is… So, what are you working on? (Hadn’t seen you in about 7-8 months lol)
You: Well, not much. My new book is about to come out. Ohhh and I got me a guitar and I taught myself how to play it. And I put together a little band. We are just traveling around playing to raise awareness about Mountain Top Removal… but that’s about all.
Me on the inside:
😳😱🫠🤯
Me: That’s amazing! I can’t wait to see you all. You always lift me up man… and I really miss you guys…
You: Well, let’s keep in better touch
Me: (lying) I will. I promise. I’m gonna get off of here and go dig out my laptop and my manuscripts…and my mandolin.
It’s taken me a decade to do those three things but cancer and full organ failure tend to slow you down. Like Updike’s Rabbit, I’m in redux-back from a long illness- I can drive again; I am off oxygen after 6 years of being tethered to it; and more importantly, I’m writing again, new stories AND editing the copious amounts of existing stories and novels. I’m going to submit something… somewhere BEFORE you get that Grammy.
Congratulations on living your life in the honest and generous way that has lifted up all of us with you.
And in honor of your Grammy? Do you care if I rewrite the conversation I just shared here and make it my first Substack post? And I am thinking about posting my stories that are published on here. Thoughts?
And BTW… my tie dyes are incredible. Y’all come by and pick some out… or one of my mandala pieces… a woman in Minnesota quilts them! I am just out Bryan Station.
Solid list. Needs that Margo Cilker jam.