My Boys with Dad

Sometimes it seems that there are certain events in life that divide it into two categories, before - and after. The filming for the “God Bless The Children” video was one such occurrence. It was one of the most thrilling and rewarding experiences of my career.
As most of you know, I have tried to maintain some privatization with regard to bringing the lives of my adopted children into the public arena. However, due to the nature of this project and its agenda for adoption awareness, I was more than a little proud that they wanted to be involved. Sandy, her sister Sue, and the boys flew in a day before the shoot. I did miss Danny, who is attending collage in AZ.
Day one was a closed set for my solo lines of the song as well as an evening shoot of some of the children singers and actors (my sons were excited to meet one child star from “Big Mama’s House 2”. Working with famed director John Lloyd Miller was an incredible experience and I KNOW I presented many challenges to him. He wanted a “deep and emotional” performance from me. This was tough for me to do especially with a large number of cameramen and crew. An actor I am NOT. While the poignant lyrics to the song about suffering children always tug at my heart, it wasn’t until I asked that my boys Kyle and Keenan, be brought in that I could feel what I was singing and tap into what John was looking for. They were sitting on the floor in front of me and out of camera range and “singing to them” put my mind right where it needed to be.

It was a long day before we heard the final “That’s a wrap” and having my bus waiting for me outside the soundstage door was a welcome sight.
Day 2 was the one I had been waiting for. With my dreaded solo takes behind me, I was now able to really enjoy the arrivals as members of the “all star choir” began to walk through the stage doors. What an astonishing group of people and I felt like I was back stage at the Grand Ole Opry. It was great to see my friends such as Billy Yates, Mark McGuinn (Mrs. Steven Rudy) Statler Brother Jimmy Fortune, Kentucky Head Hunter’s, Toby Keith’s new artist Taylor Swift, Hometown News, Kevin Sharp (Nobody knows It But Me), Jamie Lee, Mila Mason, Lila McCann and Canadian label mates Desert Heat. Many of whom I had not seen in a while, and others who I have grown to know and love through their musical legacies and in fact, had provided a soundtrack to my life. To hear the AMAZING voices of Elvis’s famous background singers, The Jordanaires singing directly behind me was hard to believe and they were a riot. Deborah Allen is as sweet as she sounds.
Both the honor and the sound of hearing my friends and my hero’s, singing my lyrics, was an experience that this VT boy has yet to find the words to describe.
(A complete list will be on my web site soon) The inclusion of Hank Sr.’s daughter Jett Williams was a thrill as Hank has always been a huge inspiration for my writing. I just finished the book “Ain’t Nothin’ As Sweet As My Baby” that depicts her life’s story and what a tale it is. I also recommend Kevin Sharps unbelievable story “Tragedy’s Gift”.
This was a fantastic and great hearted cast that combined legends with current and rising stars. Hearing their voices rise together in chorus still echoes in my ears and in my heart.

The All-Star Choir

Another high point was meeting the great people from the Dave Thomas Foundation as well as their national media agency GMMB. Juanita and they have worked tirelessly to make these last two days a reality.

Dave Thomas Foundation/GMMB

Me and Sis (Juanita)

As soon as the shoot was complete – we literally threw everything on the bus for a (pedal to the medal) ride home for two other events I was looking forward to. I did an “In the round” show in my home state for “The Make A Wish” foundation. It was a thrill to share the stage with such great Vermont talent such as Jamie Lee, Diane Zeigler, Rusty “The Logger” Dewees, and sweet Bethany Carrier. What a great time for a great cause. The next night was also very special as it took me to what is for me, a unique stage. The cafeteria of the school that my sons attend was the setting for a community event to raise funds for Kyle’s 8th grade class trip. Performing in or around my home town is something I have always attempted to evade. However, working with this great school, my son and his class mates was gratifying, I had a blast.
It was back on the bus immediately after the show and back to Nashville for more studio work on the video. Here in Music city, I am waiting for the studio to be ready for me which allowed me a great time to write this letter.

Thanks My Friends.

Wayne Warner
www.waynewarner.com