Jeremy L. Berg

This spring and summer I am putting together an old classic country set to perform at senior residences and other venues. In fact, come see me Wednesday, May 14 at Noon at The Gillespie Center for their “Country Jam.” I’ll be joining other local musicians taking turns playing country songs.

The highlight has been getting Abby (10) involved and watching her embrace old Dolly Parton songs such as “Jolene”, “Coat of Many Colors”, and “Here You Come Again.” She’s also doing “Stand By Your Man” by Tammy Wynette and maybe we’ll throw in a duet singing, “Jackson” by Johnny Cash and June Carter. Abby plan to join me for a couple songs on May 14. Come see us on your lunch break!

Watch this sneak peek:

Here’s some of the songs I’m working on:

• Your Cheating Heart by Hank Williams
• Momma Tried by Merle Haggard
• Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain by Willie
• Always on my Mind – Willie Nelson
• I Fall to Pieces by Patsy Cline
• Stand by Your Man – Tammy Wynette
• The Gambler by Kenny Rogers
• Amarillo by Morning by George Strait
• Kiss An Angel Good Morning – Charley Pride
• Mama Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys
• El Paso by Marty Robbins
• I Still Miss Someone by J. Cash
• Tom T Hall – Sneaky Snake
• Mr. Bojangles – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
• Fulsom Prison Blues – J. Cash
• Man in Black – J. Cash
• Jackson – J. Cash & J. Carter
• Gentle on my Mind – G. Campbell 
• Sunday Morning Comin’ Down – Kristofferson
• Why Me, Lord? – Kristofferson
• Poncho and Lefty – T. Van Zandt
• Wildwood Flower – Carters
• King of the Road – R. Miller
• Jolene – Dolly
• Here You Come Again – Dolly
• Coat of Many Colors – Dolly
• Jambalaya by Hank Williams
• Move it on Over by Hank Williams
• Good Ole Boys Like Me – Don Williams
• There Goes – Alan Jackson
• Chattahoochee – Alan Jackson

Putting this set together has been very nostalgic, as I’m digging into the music my parents had playing around the house when I was very young. I didn’t fully appreciate “old country” back then, and still today I have to be in the right mood to listen to 80s country and later. But my appreciation for the VERY old stuff — 50s and 60s — continues to grow.

I can’t sing Don Williams without being swept back into childhood and tearing up. Evokes old (good) memories of a childhood full of love and stability. I can’t sing Hank Williams without picturing my dad and mom dancing around the kitchen as he sings, “Hey, Good Lookin’, Whatchya got cookin.” :)

Join us Wednesday, May 14 at noon at the Gillespie Center.