What do Elvis Presley, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, Wilson Pickett, Dusty Springfield and Neil Diamond have in common?
Bobby Wood, of course.
On Saturday afternoon, an enthralled audience hung on every word of the “Nashville Cats” interview at the sold-out Ford Theatre in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
If musical luminaries glowed, you would have seen the room from outer space as one after another iconic music legend filed in from the back-stage wings and took their seats.
Among them, Allen Reynolds and Mr. and Mrs. Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood.
Make no mistake, all were there to see Bobby.
For 90 minutes the story unfolded, prodded by the gentle guidance of interviewer, RJ Smith of the CMHoF, as Bobby narrated a life that paralleled and shaped the fabric of popular music of the 21st century.
His soulful stylings can be heard on the most iconic recordings of modern music – from the laid back R&B grooves recorded with fellow Memphis Boys at American Sound Studio, to the landmark piano intro on Garth Brooks’ / Tony Arata’s “The Dance.”
One could more accurately say, “Tony Arata / Garth Brooks / Allen Reynolds / Bobby Wood’s The Dance,” such is the powerful contribution of creative producer and inspired pianist to the classic.
In his quick-witted quipping style, Bobby had the crowd on the tip of our seats, leaning forward in unison to hear his soft-spoken Mississippi wisdom and Christ-driven insights into far ranging subjects including race relations, near fatal accidents and resilience, and how he learned and applied various piano and production techniques over the years.
For example, you know the “bahm bahm bahm” musical hook on Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline?
Bobby played that part on the piano first, at the suggestion of the producer, and his styling was later replaced in the tracks by the horns.
Time and time again, the gentle, group natured Wood expressed the importance of the mutual respect and regard among the musicians, writers and producers, many of them interchanging roles with ease and the complete lack of “ego” – it was all about allowing the unique spirit of each song to be best expressed, even if that meant not playing.
The wit and wisdom of Bobby Wood can be yours to experience when you watch the interview soon to be archived on the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum’s website, and in the meantime read Bobby’s book.
I must admit, I was blind sided when I eagerly cracked open my signed copy at home after waiting in line to get it (and pay for it even though Bobby tried to give it to me) to find the last and most eloquent testimonial in the preface written by my daddy, Nashville Hall of Fame Songwriter Kim Williams.
I hadn’t realized the powerful connection those two shared having bonded over their near fatal accidents, and the understanding, creative and tender spirit both men embody.
It warmed my heart as a daughter to read the words so beautifully expressed about a life so formative to so many of us, a life that has largely gone unsung, in spite of the monumentally impactful nature on pretty much every single man, woman and child on this planet who has ever chanced to turn on a radio.
It’s truly remarkable. As my dad said in his comments, the last few pages of the book are lists of names of the people that Bobby Wood graced with his talent, either an artist, pianist, producer, songwriter, arranger or a combination of all the above.
Some of those not already mentioned are: George Strait, Charlie Pride, Carl Perkins, Doris Day, George Jones, Huey Lewis, B.B. King, Kenny Rogers, and one of my all time favorites, Dan Seals.
I don’t know if I have the authority, but I think no one would disagree if we, right here and now, confer on Mr. Bobby Wood the honorary Doctorate of Soul.
As Fred Foster said about him, “If anyone can play just one note, and it be deemed soulful, Bobby is your man.”
Dr. Bobby Wood, you are an international treasure of music, style and class and are among the finest examples of a human being that can be found.
Thank you for allowing us to celebrate you, Janice and your entire family, and to pray for your well being, fortitude and grace forever and ever, amen.
Do yourself a favor and enjoy a Bobby Wood playlist while you’re reading his book.
Get yours here.
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