You Know You're a Writer if you HAVE to Write
I hope to connect with other songwriters here, to learn, collaborate, and network. We know who we are because we HAVE to write; so we might as well enjoy it!
My Claims To Fame
(So Far)
The first was in 1975. While we were in college, my wife-to-be and myself were in a Christian band together called "Covenant." We made a custom album before our first Summer tour in 1975. I wrote the songs on the album, and it helped us through that tour and another one in 1976. In those two Summers we went from coast to coast and from border to border, even doing one gig in Canada.I was suprised in recent years to learn that the album had become somewhat of a collector's item. Apparently there are collectors out there who specialize in obscure 70's jesus music. One tracked me down online years ago and told me that the album sold for as much as $60.00! That's a far cry from the $5.00 we used to charge for it on the back tables at our concerts.
Now you can download the music in MP3 files from LuLu.com. There's a link below, and samples on LuLu for you to hear, free.
My second claim to fame was a much bigger deal. We had a couple of friends in college named Johm Helvering and Sandi Patti. They got married around the time we did. Sandi liked one of the songs I had written. I played it for her after a spaghetti dinner they shared with my wife and me. It was called, "When The Time Comes."
Most of you will recognize Sandi's name. Her career began with an album entitled "Love Overflowing" on the Singspiration label, and "When The Time Comes" was on it. After her fame grew and the album had been around for a while, it eventually sold a half million copies. I never got a gold album for that one.
I did get a gold album for a major release of hers in 1983. it was a live album called "More Than Wonderful." She sang my song in that concert as a sort of intro to one of her biggest hits, "We Shall Behold Him," written by none other than Dottie Rambo. She has many examples of great songwriting to her credit, but that is one of the best.
"More Than Wonderful" (the album) went platinum eventually. I didn't get a platinum album. Oh well.
That was about 25 years ago at this writing. Don't ask me what happened to me or what I've been writing or doing all that time. Just keep your eyes peeled when you read the author names on your favorite songs, of any genre.
That'll tell you all you need to know.
Here Are The Links I Think You Should Click, Like Now
(Or just scroll down and find other ways to tempt yourself)
Don't forget to check out the samples from the 1975 Covenant album on LuLu.com!
- The Covenant Album On LuLu.com
- This is the 1975 "jesus music" LP that I made with my band, "Covenant." Listen to the samples to get an idea. Download any songs you want, or the whole album.
- Covenant Fans Blog
- The last time a guy contacted me about our work three decades ago, I decided to blog it, like others had. So here's the blog.
Here's What Amazon Wants To Show You
They Do Pretty Well, But I'll Show You Some Of My Own Picks Below
Song Xpress Acoustic
SongXpress Acoustic Guitar is one of the most inst more...0 points
They're Writing Songs of Love
SongXpress Acoustic Guitar is one of the most inst more...0 points
The Hit Song Writers
SongXpress Acoustic Guitar is one of the most inst more...0 points
Uttermost 50630 Autumn Song Two Fine Art Oil Reproduction
Uttermost 50630 -Overall dimensions:22.5" more...0 points
My Picks On Amazon -- But Hey, Vote On 'Em!
Finale SongWriter
Finale SongWriter makes it easy for you to create more...0 points
You're A Writer, So Write Here
Let me (and other visitors) know you stopped by, and what you think!
submit
-
Reply
- obxscribe obxscribe Aug 12, 2008 @ 10:03 am
- I enjoyed reading your "Lens". I just started with Squidoo. It may be just what I've been looking for.
But more on that later. You really took me back. I think I have run across your old band Covenant somewhere in my past. Back then I was into Phil Keaggy when he was in Glass Heart and that cool group from California (Can't remember their name, lol) And Sandi Patti has been everywhere. That's cool that you got a cut from her.
Me? Musician/singer/songwriter Did the Nashville thing for 12 years and now live in The Outer Banks of NC. I learned a ton on Nashville about songwriting even tho it was painful. I got "holds" by a few majors including George Jones and Loretta's daughter Patsy cut 2 of mine. But now I still write everyday. It's in my blood and I love it. I still go back a few times a year to pitch songs. Keep writing. I'm getting ready to launch a lens called "Songwriting Nashville Style"
Should be up soon. Bye for now
Joe Russ
joeruss56@gmail.com
-
Reply
- tdove tdove Nov 16, 2007 @ 5:58 pm
- Cool and very helpful.
-
Reply
- corebizstyle corebizstyle Nov 14, 2007 @ 10:44 am
- Denver Colorado
Dave,
Great lens about songwriting!
-
Reply
- Forgiven Forgiven Nov 11, 2007 @ 2:16 pm
- Awesome Brother!
by AllWinOrNoneWin
I'm a middle-aged published writer and professional who has done nearly everything he can think of so far in life. I've been married for 30...
(more)Explore related pages
Runnin' Down a Dream by Tom Petty - Lyrics, MP3s & Videos- Runnin' Down A Dream was originally released by Tom Petty on his Full Moon Fever...
Big Me by the Foo Fighters - Videos, Lyrics, MP3s
- Big Me was the fourth single released off of Foo Fighters First Album. The Musi...
An American Girl by Tom Petty Lyrics, MP3s & Videos- American Girl is the first track on Tom Petty's Famed Greatest Hits Album. Here...
Larry Norman
- Larry Norman, considered by many as the Father of Modern Christian Rock Music, h...
