| After over 31 years on the air in Nashville, we did our
last broadcast on June 26, 2011. Some very special friends asked if they
could host a reception that afternoon. It was a great opportunity to say
goodbye to artists and listeners (we made it an open invitation on the
air). Some of the listeners I had met or at least talked to over the
years, some I had never before. I was truly blessed at the wonderful
outpouring.
Please enjoy just some of the pictures taken at the reception. I will
attempt to describe some. Click any thumbnail to enlarge. |
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My sisters, Babs and Judie were part of the "eats" team.
Special thanks to Anah and Luther Weathers for really making this thing
happen! |
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A most favorite surprise... Ken Mansfield
and his wife Connie flew in for the party from California. Ken
has become a very special friend in these past years. Ken has had such
an amazing life. He was an
executive with Capitol Records in the mid-60's. In 1967 he was
hand-chosen by the Beatles to run their newly-formed Apple Records in
the US. His rise in the music industry continued for years. Suddenly it
was all gone and his was left with himself... empty. He fell in love
with a beautiful woman who introduced him to a true relationship with
the Jesus that had been loving on him for years. Ken has survived
multiple, serious bouts with cancer
and now travels the
country (using the Beatles as a magnet) telling others about the true
peace, joy and happiness found in Jesus... THE Way!!!
When I turned
from talking with someone at the party, there was Ken's smiling face
(picture upper left). I nearly cried. This man inspires me! |
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I had been asked if I intended to invite
artists to the last radio broadcast. My thought was "no". I wanted as
many who could/would to be at the party. (As my sister said, "Not many
people go to the visitation AND the funeral!"). I was thrilled that
Bonnie Keen did both. What an amazing woman. I've seen this woman
walk thru some pretty awful storms in her life. She came out stronger
and trustworthy. I have a deeper respect for those who have walked thru
the fire. Bonnie certainly has! |
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Dave Nichols wasn't always your morning traffic
guy on News Channel 5, you know. Dave and I worked at WSM
together in the late 70's. It was Dave, as the brand new program
director at WLAC-FM in 1983 that brought my show back on the air
when WSM-FM (my show's first home) changed formats just two weeks
earlier. Dave has been a good friend over the years and I was glad he
was present at the party. Pictured on the right: Mike Pachelli, Gary
Pigg, Ken Mansfield, Dave Nichols, and Connie Mansfield. |
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Although I knew to WHERE to be and WHAT TIME for the
party, I really had no idea what to expect. Gwen Moore had really
done some work in putting together a special "This Is Your Life"
book for me. It contained many, many emails and letters from friends and
colleagues (even Pat Boone who lovingly, jokingly chided me,
asking, "Who gave you permission to retire?"). |
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Meet my oldest and bestest friend, Steve
Blackman. We were friends since diapers in Hialeah, FL. His dad was
our preacher and my dad was the song leader. He followed his dad into
the pulpit. I took a slightly different route in sharing music on Sunday
mornings. Steve and I are still very connected having lunch every
Monday. |
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I love the fact that I have such talented friends!
Lisa Bevill is such a great example. I've known her since she was a
teenager. She has a most amazing singing voice. More importantly, she
loves God and looks for ways to serve Him... many time by just loving
others! At the party, she brought up a camp she had for girls years ago.
Very simply put: no frills, no make-up, no designer jeans, and NO
BOYS! She sought out other women of God who mentored and love on
teen girls from all over the country who needed this simple message that
God loves them... He created them as they are and no worldly possession
can possibly replace a relationship with Him. Once in a while, I still
hear from some of the girls (now wives and mothers) who's lives were
changes at Lisa's camp. Did I also mention that Lisa is an amazing
singer??!? (Great shoulder rubs too!!!) |
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It was so good to see Rick Cua at the
party. I've known Rick since he moved to Nashville from New York back
years ago. Funny... he still talks like a New Yorker!!! A very talented
and Godly man. |
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Al Jaynes is someone I've known since
I moved to Nashville in 1973. He was an elder at the church I attended
and a member of the board at Koinonia Bookstore and Coffeehouse. Those
were amazing times and set the course for many lives. Al has always been
such an encourager to me. His (and wife Era's) presence at the party was
most meaningful to me. |
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Here are some other random
shots. I will be adding more.
I will also post descriptions of the rest of these soon. |
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