Welcome to another SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT!!
Deryl Dodd is a Texas singer/songwriter that I’ve followed and been a huge fan of for a very long time. And, I am thrilled to turn my blog over to him today and let him share a story a new/old song with you!
Hello friends!!
I want to share a story behind a song, “Let Me Hold You Tonight.”
This song is an old-fashioned country waltz. Nothing flashy about it. But it’s pure and it’s honest. And it lends itself perfectly to a cryin’ steel guitar, ( played by my friend and legend, Junior Knight ) and lonesome harmonies ( sung by the great Courtney Patton Eady, and myself ). I wrote it after a break-up at the ripe old age of 19, and man was I feelin’ blue. I had only written a few songs at that time, and the lyrics sound like it. But ya’ know, ya’ just can’t write from that place ever again … that place of innocence … of being 19 years old and having all those feelings. And to me, that’s the charm, and why I wanted to record it and share it with you. It’s how I felt my music was supposed to sound. I used to play this song acoustically in the bars back in the late 80s and early 90s. But I never recorded it until last summer – 2019. Something moved me to finally do it.
And partly because of this: It was 1991 and I had been playing music full time for about 4 years. And at this particular time, it seemed that things had kinda run their course. I thought the music ride I was on was coming to an end. But then my good friend Nancy Davis Clark, who managed a club called Cody’s in Waco TX, asked me if I’d open up for Dean Dillon who was coming to play. And of course I did. It’s DEAN DILLON !! So we did like a 20 minute set and I played this song. It was the only original song I played in the set that night. But apparently Dean was listening. Because after his show, his road manager came over to me and said that Dean would like to meet me. Yes it happened just like that. So I went backstage. He asked me if I wrote this song, and I said yes. Then, he said it was a damn good song and that I should come visit him in Nashville.
WHAT !! So I did. I packed up a few things, loaded up my little red truck and drove there. I hung out with Dean for about a week and I met all kinds of great people. It was so dang incredible. And one of these people happened to be a booking agent who asked me if I wanted a job playing at the Opryland Hotel. WHAT!?! I said yes sir !! So I drove back to Texas. But this time, when I got home, I packed up everything. And like another song I wrote says, “I moved to Nashville back in, 91…”
Never Ever Give Up On Your Dreams… God Bless You All…dd
This is an exciting moment for me! Thank you for allowing me to share with you for the very first time, the new and never before recorded, studio version of “Let Me Hold You Tonight.” Studio – Bart Rose Fort Worth Sound Acoustic – Deryl Dodd Vocals – Courtney Patton Eady Drums – Andrew Raley Bass – Kerry Wilson Steel Guitar – Junior Knight Piano – Frank Hames.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUKZRXSpIcE&w=560&h=315]
I hope you enjoyed this story from Deryl. I’m posting links to his website, facebook, twitter and music below. If you have enjoyed this segment of Sunday Spotlight, please follow him and let him know!
I’m sorry I missed this. He sounds like an awesome guy. What a nice break for him when Dean Dillon heard him. It was meant to be. Those opportunities don’t come around every day. We just have to be ready and step right in.
That is SO true, sister! And you never know when it’s going to come. Thanks for stopping by! Love you!
Such a heartfelt song. I enjoyed knowing the story behind it.
Thank you, Denise, for stopping by!
Thanks, Jan. A great story and song.
Thanks, John! I’m happy you stopped by!
😊
I don’t follow music (any music), but I’m enjoying this segment of yours, Jan. And I love this small part of Deryl’s life story. The song is beautiful!
I’m curious if he ever shared that song with the girl who broke his heart and whether she realizes how big he made it? Does she know the role she played in getting him his big break? Lol! It’s funny how the moments we think will crush us sometimes open doors we never saw before. 😊
I am so glad you are enjoying Sunday Spotlight, Yvette! I hope Deryl will answer your question about the girl that broke his heart. You are right about how moments we think will crush us can open doors we’d never have otherwise seen. Thank you SO much for stopping by and sharing!
Oh I love me some DD. He’s an amazing singer.
Yes, he is, Tonya! AND a great writer! Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks so much, Jan. I love Deryl’s song, “Let Me Hold You Tonight” – pure poetry! ♥
Thank you, Gwen, for stopping by and leaving a comment. I know Deryl will appreciate it! And, thank you for sharing!