When exceptional (natural) talent becomes the preeminent criteria for success, all human life will change for the better.   Johnny Counterfit

A Great American Has Passed On

 Pamela  Murphy, widow of WWII hero and actor, Audie  Murphy, died peacefully at her home on  April 8, 2010. She was the widow of the  most decorated WWII hero and actor, Audie  Murphy, and established her own distinctive  35 year career working as a patient liaison  at the Sepulveda Veterans Administration  hospital, treatingevery veteran who visited the  facility as if they were a VIP. 

   Any  soldier or Marine who came into the hospital got  the same special treatment from her. She  would walk the hallways with her clipboard in  hand making sure her boys got to see the  specialist they needed. 
   If  they didn't, watch out. Her boys weren't Medal  of Honor recipients or movie stars like  Audie, but that didn't matter to Pam. They  had served their country. That was good  enough for her.  She never called a  veteran by his first name. It was always  "Mister." Respect came with the job. 
   "Nobody  could cut through VA red tape faster than Mrs.  Murphy," said veteran Stephen Sherman,  speaking for thousands of veterans  she befriended over the years. "Many times  I watched her march a veteran who had been  waiting more than an hour right into the  doctor's office.  She was even  reprimanded a few times, but it didn't matter  to Mrs. Murphy. "Only her boys mattered.  She was our angel." 
         Audie Murphy died broke in a plane crash in  1971, squandering millions of dollars on  gambling, bad investments, and yes, other  women.  "Even with the adultery and  desertion at the end, he always remained my  hero," Pam told me.  
   She  went from a comfortable ranch-style home in Van  Nuys where she raised two sons to a small  apartment - taking a clerk's job at  the nearby VA to support herself and start  paying off her faded movie star husband's  debts.  At first, no one knew who she  was. Soon, though, word spread throughthe VA  that the nice woman with the clipboard was Audie  Murphy's widow. It was like saying General  Patton had just walked in the front door.  Men with tears in their eyes walked up to her  and gave her a hug. 
   "Thank  you," they said, over and over. 
   The  first couple of years, I think the hugs were  more for Audie's memory as a war hero. The  last 30 years, they were for Pam. 
    One  year I asked her to be the focus of a Veteran's  Day column for all the work she had done.  Pam just shook her head no. 
   "Honor  them, not me," she said, pointing to a group of  veterans down the hallway. "They're the  ones who deserve it." 
   The  vets disagreed. Mrs. Murphy deserved the  accolades, they said.  Incredibly, in  2002, Pam's job was going to be eliminated in  budget cuts. She was considered "excess  staff."  "I don't think helping cut  down on veterans' complaints and showing them  the respect they deserve, should be considered  excess staff," she told me.  Neither  did the veterans. They went ballistic, holding a  rally for her outside the VA gates.   Pretty soon, word came down from the top  of the VA. Pam Murphy was no longer  considered "excess staff." 
    She  remained working full time at the VA until 2007  when she was 87. 
   "The  last time she was here was a couple of years ago  for the conference we had for homeless  veterans," said Becky James, coordinator of the  VA's Veterans History Project.   Pam  wanted to see if there was anything she  could do to help some more of her  boys.  Pam Murphy was 90 when she died  last week. What a lady. 
    Dennis  McCarthy, Los Angeles Times on April 15, 2010  ~

 

Joan Rivers Film

For those of you who enjoy "behind the scenes" presentations, I want to recommend the new Joan Rivers film, A Piece of Work. The film follows Joan, a comedic superstar in my opinion, in and out of various professional as well as personal situations, and how she deals with each of them. The film is an honest, open, take no prisoners approach, illustrative of what it takes to remain in the spotlight. Be wary if you have sensitive ears.

Another "One of Our Own" Passes Away...Jimmy Dean.

Every so often, we assess our lives when someone who affected us passes away. The passing of Jimmy Dean causes me to hearken back to a time when I watched my first country music variety show, on television. At 5 or 6 years of age, I marveled at watching Jimmy Dean sing, and interact with his guests; years later, when I performed in concert, the circle was completed when Jimmy was in the audience watching my performance.

After the show, Jimmy and I talked about his (early) TV program, and I asked him about the (puppet) dog he featured on his show. Pictured above with Jimmy is "Rolph" who, as it happened, was the first "Muppet" character, courtesy of Jim Henson.

Thanks to you.......During "Fan Fair" CMA Music Festival

My thanks to all who made my Fan Fair (CMA Music Festival) show a success; it was a "full house" and I'm grateful. My thanks to the management and staff at John A's, for the best food, and best service to the customer, in Nashville, TN.

 

That's the Ticket..... 

Due to an increase in box office sales, we will begin offering on-line ticket sales, and customized ticket graphics for all applicable Johnny Counterfit Show concert dates. This is a significant convenience for Theaters, Dinner/Show venues, and other special event facilities not so equipped. Contact our office for details.

A Special Moment (For Me) In Time

In addition to the shows I perform at the Grand Ole Opry, oftentimes, I have the pleasure of meeting fellow artists and musicians who have performed with some of the true icons of country music. Such was the case today, when I did a show, in Madisonville, Kentucky, with two musicians who were in the original  Jim Reeves Blue Boys Band.

Bill Harlan and Royce Morgan were with Jim in the late 1950's; below is a photo.

 

                                                                 
Georgette Jones' New CD, Slightly Used Woman
If it's possible, a new CD can become an instant solid country gold body of work, this is it! Georgette Jones' new CD, Slightly Used Woman has all the elements "real" country music fans expect. The singing, musicianship, songwriting, and production are the epitome of country music. I love this CD, and I promise, you will too!

Hank Williams Wins Pulitzer Prize Citation
Even though Hank passed away January 1, 1953, his legacy continues with a lifetime achievement citation from the Pulitzer Prize board. All country music performers, and fans, should take great pride in this award to Hank; I know I do.
                                                               

NEW Johnny Counterfit PROMO DVD....HERE'S THE LINK: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwJqQP5cbsA


Counterfit Cartoon Character
One of my favorite comic strips is Nancy, by Guy Gilchrist. Guy drew my mug and gave it to me; I not only appreciate his great artistic talent, but his generosity as well. Now, if he could just arrange for my cartoon character to date Aunt Fritzi.
                                                
Adversity

When faced with adversity, keep your face to the wind; for the wind will change, and you will sail onward.
Johnny Counterfit

Maryland, North Carolina and the Wright Brothers' Monument
It's no secret, my love for American history, so I took time to visit the Wright Brothers' historic "flight sight" in Kitty Hawk, NC, the day after my two shows (March 12), in the Outer Banks Showcase Theater. What a beautiful town, and a great group of people to perform for!

My shows in the Ocean City Opry Theater, in Ocean City, Maryland (March 11) went well, so combining the Maryland and North Carolina show dates, with a visit to the place where the Wright Brothers made their historic test flights, and successful flights into the history books, was a fantastic way to round out the tour.

Unlike some show business agencies, the Wright Brothers ran a "fly-by-day" business!   
         
Above is a replica of the famous Wright Flyer, next to a photo of the end of runway.

Arizona, Nebraska, & Michigan
After being on tour, in three states, it's great to be home....at least for a few days. It's always a pleasure to spend some winter days in the warm Phoenix valley area, especially performing in some of the many theaters throughout the area. Nebraska and Michigan were beautiful, sunny, and cool, and the crowds fantastic during the entire run!

Please check my schedule page; I'll be in the Maryland and North Carolina area March 11 & 12, then back to Michigan on March 20. I'm scheduled to perform a show in Mt Juliet, TN., March 27, and I'm hoping to see some Tennessee folks in the audience. Come see us at the Grand Ole Opry!


My Songs & My Voice Go Global.
For the last several years, I have been adding songs I've written, and performed in my own voice, to (my) concert shows, as well as making them available to radio. I've recently discovered foreign as well as domestic radio stations playing not only my comedy and voice impressions, but "the real me" to listeners as well. Most songs I write reflect topical issues, which may explain the rapid addition to play lists around the globe, including England, Ireland, and Australia.

The Future of Country Music Radio; flexibility won't break you!
                                                                     

A couple years ago, I wrote to the association known as Country Radio Broadcasters (C.R.B.), specifically to their president, as well to a director, suggesting a name change to, Country Music Broadcasters.

I felt, in light of expanding technologies available to broadcast music, perhaps the inclusion of individuals and corporations utilizing the Internet and satellite radio would increase the scope, and membership of the organization. To date, I haven’t received the courtesy of an answer.

It’s interesting to note the organization was once called the Country Disc Jockey Association, but found it necessary to change the name when music played on the radio evolved beyond record discs. I’d also like to point out country music had quite a different standard before being diluted (in some cases) to resemble something other than "real" country music. I admit, varying definitions are at play, but one can discern the difference in real butter made from cream, as opposed to oleomargarine made with hydrogenated oil!

Over the years, I’ve marveled how many in the industry have tried to explain away the pop, rock, soul, jazz, reggae, rap influence on country music as simply including other genre to increase the scope and number of the fans. In some cases, it worked, but to the detriment of things unrelated to the monetary gain of the once dominant record labels, and terrestrial radio broadcasters.

New technologies are driving decision-making back where it belongs, to the consumer. No longer are music fans restricted to what a radio station programmer, or recording industry executive decides we should hear.

Embracing the future seems to some, a frightening concept. In the case of the Country Radio Broadcasters association, embracing the future can happen with changing only one word.

Evolution is inevitable. 

George Jones and Johnny Counterfit
What a great time I had being part of George Jones' concert show last evening, at Sam's Town Casino & Hotel, Tunica, Mississippi. Though I've been on stage and recordings with George in the past, I always feel blessed and very fortunate to share the stage with this true legend of Country Music.

New Souvenir Songbook Available
Book contains 22 songs Johnny has written and recorded; see merchandise page for details. Order via mail, $10.00 postage paid, check or money order to: J.C. Productions  PO Box 292767  Nashville, TN 37229-2767

*Johnny performs these songs in concert, and a new CD album entitled, My Songs, My Voice is in production. Here are a few song titles from the book:

*A Couple Of Girls Ago (Getting over a former love)
*America Has B.O. (Fun, not mean song about Pres. Barack Obama)
*Betty Jean (Loss of a single parent)
*I Hate Corporate Country (The title says it all)
*Elbowcellphonitis (People who can't drive and talk on their cell phones at the same time)
*Amanda Marie (Loss of a child)
*I Can't Believe How Much I'm Glad You're Gone (Divorce song)
*Send God An Instant Message, Everyday (God and the Internet)
*Is That You, Lord? (Inspirational)

__________and 13 more songs, all with notes and music chords. 

Wanted........Poster

When Opryland was closed in 1997, there was a huge sale of memorabilia. I went to the theme park to obtain the advertising board, but someone had already purchased it.....I WANT IT BACK.

Book Focuses On My Career

What a nice thing to happen; author Loyal Jones includes me in his book about country music humorists and comedians. There are 400 pages of information on artists, (A to Z) with real insight.

                                                            

What Does It Really Mean?

An Internet auction site is now featuring my merchandise for sale to collectors. Hmmmmmm, I'll have to contemplate the true meaning.  

It's a Great New World For Independent (Country Music) Artists

I've been hearing country artist Bobby Marquez on the Willie's Place channel-SIRIUS/XM Satellite radio, and was pleased to hear from him, via the telephone. Bobby has been touring, promoting his latest album, and increasing his tour schedule, nationally. I've known Bobby for quite a few years, so it is especially gratifying to know how well he is doing. Check Bobby's web site for scheduling.

From a recent interview: Because I have a "family friendly" show, every audience member experiences a CLEAN comedy presentation, as well as voice impressions with top quality COUNTRY & POP music, both old and new. Even if someone under the age of 10 doesn't recognize a voice impression from the past, the quality of comedy, and variety of music more than makes up for their lack of years. Within the show, I include songs I've written, on topical subjects of the day.

Johnny Counterfit

                                                         
My New Marketing Idea
I'm always trying to create innovative ways to market merchandise, so I've added a new method of selling (my) audio CD programming. Because technology is evolving beyond discs, I am adding "Flash Drives" as a means to sell content. The capacity of these little devices allows storage of songs, and video, as well as entire (multiple) albums. Albums are currently available on the merchandise page.

Consumers are increasingly downloading content (also available on the merchandise page of this website), which allows an alternative to having too much content on any single device.

I predict more companies will adopt this new marketing method, adding convenience, and cost savings to our customer base, as well as increasing the profit margin.

For a limited time, if you order any of my albums (mail order only, for now), we will offer two-for-one audio CD content on a memory stick, plus the usual $5.00 added S/H. Welcome to the future!

Another Denmark Radio Adds My Recordings
The following radio show, in Denmark, has added my work to it's play list:
BONANZA Country Music, On MIDTFJORD RADIO, DJ: Herbert Fischer, J. Skjoldborg Vej
9670 Løgstør, Denmark

I wonder if a European concert tour could be put together; stay tuned.

Great Start To (January 1) 2010
Backstage at the Grand Ole Opry-Ryman Auditorium.

My appearance on the Grand Ole Opry starts the new year perfectly. Here I am with "Little" Jimmy Dickens, and singer/songwriter Diane Berry. Being part of the Opry, and working with legendary artists like Jimmy and Diane is a career highlight.

Catch Me on SIRIUS/XM's LAUGH USA  

Be sure to tune in the LAUGH USA channel on the SIRIUS/XM satellite network for some of my comedy, impressions, and parody songs.

Denmark Radio Adds Counterfit Jingle Bells #2
My recordings went global many years ago, but (today) I learned "CountryExpress" Radio DNK 1, in Denmark, has added a parody I recorded in the 1990's entitled, Counterfit Jingle Bells #2. I hadn't thought much about the song due to it containing political voices from nearly 20 years ago, but hearing it again reminds me of the comedic value beyond the voice impressions. RADIO STATIONS.....contact us for your free download.

Where Should Country Music Radio Go?   

© 2008 JC Productions & Entertainment LLC

To paraphrase Thomas Jefferson, an occasional revolution is good for democracy. Such is the case, in the battle for consumers, not just in country music, but the entire field of entertainment. When I began my country music career, as Johnny Counterfit, in January of 1981, I had little business knowledge beyond how much money I wanted, verses the amount I actually received, and the constant battles in between. Country has long been my choice of music, but my penchant for making people laugh was, and is my stock in trade.

 

Two years into my career, I began joining air personalities (DJ’s) during their morning shows, performing (my) voice impressions of singers, actors, and politicians, adding another dimension to a country station fighting to be heard, in a 39 radio station market. At the time, country radio was beginning to divest itself of (country music) comedy, in lieu of a “rock country, current country, and progressive country” format the industry was creating, in order to sell to the 18-35 demographic. My involvement, though entertaining, quickly became less important than the addition of new country artists being played, repetitively, four times per hour.

 

New technologies are offering consumers unprecedented control over what they hear/see, more than any other time in human history. If radio is to survive, management must bring their thinking into the 21st. century, and stop trying to manipulate what they (management) think listeners/customers should hear. Hire experienced-talented air personalities, and allow them to select content befitting their chosen targeted audience, not what some consultant in another state thinks should be aired. Develop real-time consumer response feedback; this will negate the (current) antiquated small sampling of listeners so banal as to be ineffective,

and identify excellence pertaining to employees. An increasing number of consumers are downloading their favorite artists/songs on MP3's, computers, and iPods, and becoming exposed to new material and performers via the Internet, instead of listening to radio.

In my opinion, country music radio should triple its play list of songs and artists, and include album cuts of quality; this will offer listeners a fresh reason to tune-in. For 27 years, I have presented my talent before country music concert audiences of all ages; I know they want to be entertained, and I know they want variety; give them what they want! Country recordings and radio go hand-in-hand with country concerts, and without acknowledging the now unimportant song-chart, reporting station, and label triad is terribly outdated, all are in danger of becoming extinct.

                                                                                                                           
Talent Wins........"Snobbery" Loses!
I hope you will join me in applauding the fantastic sales numbers singer, Susan Boyle is enjoying, with her first CD album release. In one week, Susan sold more than 700,000 copies of, I Dreamed A Dream! This middle-age singing sensation is not 112 lbs, and is average looking (like most of us), so please join me in welcoming the entertainment industry back to the realization that IT'S TALENT THAT REALLY COUNTS.

Never Too Much Cash
Just listened to my new Tommy Cash album, Shades of Black. Tommy cut this album with members of his band, The Cash Crew, and the results were well worth waiting for; Tommy performs original as well as cover tunes in his own style, and I feel this is one of Tommy's very best efforts. You can purchase a copy of this album at all Ernest Tubb Record Shops, as well as Tommy Cash concerts.
                                                                                       

Thanks For Your Support
Thanks to all who attended the Nashville, Tennessee Operation Stand Down event, October 16-17-18, produced to help homeless Veterans back on a path to a productive life. One of the highlights, and after hearing Diane Berry sing, country singer, Linda Davis asked Diane to accompany her in a duet; I'd love to hear a CD album of these two artists, together!
Diane Berry

                      www.osdnashville.org

Help A Homeless Veteran With More Than Money
With a fantastic track record of success, the OSD Employment Center (79% employment rate, with an average hourly wage of $10.48 to veterans) is helping homeless veterans. Lt. Col. Bill Burleigh (Ret) and his Operation Stand Down team offer homeless veterans assistance in pre-employment counseling, job retention classes, employment referrals, receive medical attention, coordinate after care, transitional housing, and other services to assist veterans and their families, toward a more productive life.

Please go to the web site (see address next to Operation Stand Down logo) to find out how you can help OSD help homeless veterans.

God has given (us) our talents, and prosperity; please pass some of it on to those who served our country and need our help!

Phil Downing and Six Words For A (Career) Lifetime
Many of us recall those who have had a direct impact on our lives. In my case, my show business mentor was a man I could always rely upon to speak his mind. I didn't want October 11 to pass without acknowledging Philip Downing's 100 birthday; I struck a friendship with Phil during the budding years of my professional career. I learned Phil had started winning "The Charleston" dance contests in 1928, graduated to Vaudeville, danced in MGM-Busby Berkley musicals starring Fred Astaire, married his dancing partner (Jane), fought in World War ll, afterward, becoming an executive with the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA), and subsequently, an entertainment agent.

Many things happened in Phil's long life, but the most fortunate (for me) was when Phil began to include me in concert/variety shows he booked. I greatly enjoyed his stories about "the old days" in Hollywood, as well as the myriad variety shows he'd performed in, and (later) produced. Of all the conversations, travels, and laughs Phil and I had, there are six words I carry with me, each time I step onto the concert stage. When Phil first spoke them to me, I had just completed a concert performance in a Carson City, Nevada auditorium; Phil said, you're great, but you'll get better; I strive to do that each time I perform. Phil has been gone for several years, but not in my mind.




New York Air Personality Jimmy Stix Making (Air) Waves
It's always great having friends in beautiful places, and New York radio personality, Jimmy Stix is no exception. Jimmy repeats his radio show on www.stixmix.org, and reports my new song, America Has B.O. is becoming an audience favorite. The song is a fun, not mean song, about President Barrack Obama, so go to Jimmy's web site, and give it a listen.

Eye Of The Beholder
Just for the heck of it, I took the following photograph, and designed a 11 x 14 poster that reads, Country Music Today. Selling copies of the poster, during my concert appearances, has created all kinds of varied comments, from those attempting to offer their assessment of what the poster really means.
                                                                                                  

Music To My Ears
Friday September 25, I went to the Glen Campbell/Jimmy Webb concert featuring the Nashville Symphony. Everyone who appreciates music should take the opportunity of listening to full orchestration, no matter your musical taste. Listening to each section, strings, percussion, brass, woodwinds, et al, offers a unique perspective, in a blend of talented musicians and their instruments. I also invite songwriters to consider the layers of arrangements used in symphonic works; the experience of ones intellect absorbing such work is analogous to the difference between a Twinkie and a layered torte of chocolate cake, raspberry, whipped cream and caramel topping, with chocolate swirl.


I'll Have A Side Order Of Earplugs, Please! 
I can't be the only diner wishing for a no-music dining room, can I? No matter your taste for music, why do some restaurants insist on blaring whatever is coming out of their sound systems? I'll settle for very low volume, if the waiters/waitresses want to rock out; I wonder how much money restaurants lose, simply because some customers (like me) would rather not compete with loud speakers?

Another Great Evening at The Grand Ole Opry
      
This time, at the Opry, my friend, Diane Berry joined me for a duet. After my George Burns impression, singing
I Wish I Was 18 Again, I did my Johnny Cash impression, on the song, Jackson, while Diane did her impression of.....herself. During the performance, I had the crazy idea of slipping in my voice of Bill Clinton, on one verse; there wasn't a dry seat in the house!
(Television Network) RFD & ME
Be sure to check your listings for my appearance(s) on the RFD Television Network. Gabriel Productions/Larry Black is running the Country's Family Reunion set of DVD's on the network. I'm privileged to perform with some of country music's most revered superstars. When I look at the program and see how many of my contemporaries are (now) gone, it makes me all the more thankful I had the chance to work with them.
                         

My Health Plan For America (If you approve, send it on to your political representative, and thanks).

Common Sense Across The Fence: Don't get mad.....get smarter.
copyright 2008 & 2009 Johnny Counterfit
                 
Inspired In North Carolina & Ohio
My thanks to Country Preacher, "Reverend Bud" Rose, for adding some of the inspirational songs I've written and recorded, to the play list of WSKY radio, in Asheville, NC, and on television stations across the great state of Ohio.

Pennsylvania Radio Station Adds Recordings

Bill Melody presenting the Country Music Hall show on WBCB-AM 1490 and at wbcb1490.com have added my recordings to the play list; thanks, Bill, and WBCB!

YouTube Clip
What a nice surprise to discover a video clip of me with some of the greatest country music legends, of the past 50 years, on YOUTUBE. If I start mentioning names, I won't have enough room to keep this news bit brief, but suffice it to say, I'm in "tall cotton" as my famous peers watch me perform.

Another Book Includes Me
In May of 2008, book author, Barry Barnes asked me for an interview, to be included in a brand new book, Nashville Now & Then. The book is out, and my interview, along with color photographs, is now for sale.

$21.00 will cover book cost as well as s/h charges. Make checks payable to  
Barry Barnes 9 Music Square South #285  Nashville, TN 37203  


Magazine Publishes My Article
Power Source magazine has included an article I wrote entitled, Where Should Country Music Radio Go, in it's November 2008 edition. My article is an attempt to update/change the way country music radio stations, throughout America, program the music. Specifically, I call for stations to increase their play list, as well as actual artists presented. My logic is in direct contrast with 20th century thought mandating stations should play only songs/artists the listening audience is familiar with, which really means, artists and songs major labels, charts, and (reporting) radio stations have discerned should become well known. Thanks to evolving technologies, music fans already have their favorite artists/songs on digital recording devices, so why not give listeners a fresh reason to listen to country radio, on a more regular basis?
                                       


Nashville Now & Then Book Released
While I'm waiting for author, Barry Barnes to send a picture of the cover, I wanted to let all of you know the book, Nashville Now & Then, is officially released; what an honor and pleasure to be included in the book. The book is refreshing in many ways, not the least of which are poignant interviews with country music artists, and industry involved individuals not overly exposed, during the last 10 years.