Jan Sikes

SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT- Terry Rasor – On Fire

Photo courtesy Tara Bone

I get so excited when I have new music to share with you, and Terry Rasor’s CD, “ON FIRE” is something worth getting excited about.

First a little background.

Terry Rasor has been writing and performing music since the seventies. He is a Fort Worth, Texas native and won the distinction of “Songwriter of the Year” in 1991 from the MCMA. Then in 2017, he was granted the ‘Steve Fromholtz Songwriter Award’ at the Texas Musicians Museum.

His raw, gritty, straight ahead sound is honest. He is the songwriter’s songwriter and has a voice that requires no microphone. So, without any more delay, I want to dive into his new CD, “On Fire!”

A story song, “Down By The Arbor,” begins this project. It should be a hard luck movie theme song! “Here come hell/when the hammer fell/In the cold hard ground, it all comes due…”

“Just To Please You,” is a ballad about life and circumstances. “I’m trying my best now just to please you…”

The next song, “I Never Drink Alone,” is a co-write with Roy Robinson (aka Amos Staggs) and it is the perfect ‘feelin’ sorry for yourself’ break-up song. “I never drink alone, your memory’s always along…”

The title track, “On Fire,” is one of the best story songs I’ve ever heard. I’ll say it again. This entire album could be a movie soundtrack!

“He was an outlaw by trade, one foot already in the grave, deck of cards in his pocket, someone’s hair in a silver locket. He could make an old horse dance, didn’t need no fancy pants tellin’ him he had what it took to be in next year’s parade…On Fire. He tried his best to set the world on fire…”

The next song could be a huge life lesson! “How Bad” tells it like it is! “You’ve been grinding away in the wind and the rain. You’re willing to get out and push the train. How bad, how bad do you want it? Blame the whole world for all of your woes. You don’t understand just how it goes. How bad, how bad do you want it?”

“Way Down In My Soul” is a tribute to classic country music stars.

Ever since Waylon stood up to the Nashville brass and told them he wanted to make music his own way, there’s been contention between Texas and Tennessee. With Terry’s song, “Too Texas For Tennessee,” he portrays the wide gap between what is called country music these days and Texas music!

A fun toe-tapper, “Raz A Ma Taz” makes you smile. It has a Dixieland jazz sound that you can’t help but be drawn into. “Come on over here baby. Let’s talk about the weather. We’ll devise us a plan to get together. I’d love to buy you a drink and hear what you really think about the birds and bees and liveoak trees and all manner of Raz a ma taz…”

“What I say Everyday” is poignant reminiscing for a lost love.

The album concludes with “Will You Miss Me.” This song touches me deep, having lost my husband eleven years ago. Well, here you go. Take a listen.

I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek into a revered songwriter in the world of Texas music. Terry Rasor is a top-notch storyteller and entertainer!

The music industry has been hit hard by COVID-19 and our singer/songwriters are suffering. Please do what you can to help!

If you’d like to grab a copy of this album for $20 which includes shipping and handling, you can click HERE

Connect with Terry Rasor on:

FACEBOOK

WEBSITE

REVERBNATION

TWITTER

28 thoughts on “SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT- Terry Rasor – On Fire”

  1. I’m not a big follower of music – of any music – but I can say that his voice is wonderful. And I love the two songs that you shared with us. “Will You Miss Me?” definitely pulled on my heart strings. Thanks for sharing him with us today, Jan. I’ve tweeted your post out in hopes to bring those who enjoy country music to this new album. 🙂

    1. Yvette, thank you for the kind words and sharing my music with others! I had hoped when writing ‘miss me’ that it would touch some hearts!

    1. Patti, thanks for sharing! Jan has an awesome way with words and I certainly appreciate her!

  2. Gwen M. Plano

    What a beautiful song! Thank you for introducing Terry to readers, Jan. I didn’t know of him before your blog. ♥

  3. Thank you for the wonderful introductions. I like this kind of country music. It feels like coming home… maybe a memory of a past life. His voice is just perfect for those songs!

    1. I love that, Erika. Perhaps from a past life memory. I agree. His voice fits the songs perfectly and I love the honest way he writes! Thank you for stopping by!

      1. I don’t know why but it touches a particular place in my heart. It was not only a joy to visit especially today but also a gift. Thank you!

      1. BTW, it is somewhat of a difficult song to play at times! Being a songwriter/performer I tend to meet many folks along the road unfortunately we loose many friends as well and I wrote Miss Me on the road home from a friends funeral! Literally fell out of me! Glad it touched you!

      2. I loved it so very much and I feel honored that you replied 🎉I am a musician too and produced some songs. But I would love to go the “country” way one day.

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