I wasn't trying to bring anything into question...
was just telling the true story of how so much of the great music found its way to the listener.

As you already know, I have a great respect and love for the artists of the fifties and sixties and remember so well what it was like to play the clubs in those days. To say the least, it was very different than today. Live music was everywhere in those days and people had an appreciation and appetite for it.

As I have aged, so has my audience base, and I'm glad for that. But every now and then someone in their twenties wants to come backstage and meet with me, and it usually turns out to be somebody that wants to be a musician.
I usually tell them the truth about a business that appears glamorous and fun but in reality it isn't and never was. It is a lot of hard work, long hours, and much disappointment.

I have been blessed to have played during what I consider some of the great years of American popular music and I wouldn't take anything for the friends I've known and some of the places I've been. And I thank the Lord for getting me out of a few places along the way. I don't know how I've made it as long as I have. Maybe, it's because I don't know what the word quit means.

So much of my life was spent in clubs, bars, lounges, and a few dives, but through it all my faith and spiritual life remained intact and I was spared the misery that I saw many musicians go through.

I once asked my wife of 40 years why she stayed through it
all. She simply replied, "God meant for us to be together." You know, after she said that, it all seemed to make sense. And then she said, "and He meant for you to play music."

Well, my voice is wearing out. I don't sound like I once did. I am almost 63 now and have been singing and playing professionally since I was 12.

One day I will sing my last song and then maybe I will take a walk over the rainbow and if you happen to see me doing that, you may notice someone walking with me. He's the best friend I ever had. His name is Jesus.

• RE: Royalties, Radio, and Streaming Audio (as opposed to Little Baby Ducks, Old Pickup Trucks, Slow Movin' Trains, and Rain) - Bob Mathers 05/02/2007 11:33:27 EDT (1)