An Interview with Charlie Daniels [Discusses School Violence]

teenink ^ | Jennifer F

[stainlessbanner]

Why did you write "Simple Man?"

I'm disgusted with what's going on in our country about violent crime. We take the criminal's side in a lot of cases rather than the victim's and it's just a shame. It's time we do something about it. That's what prompted "Simple Man."

How do you feel about violence in schools?

I think it's horrible. I honestly believe violence in schools started in the '60s when we took any semblance of morality and prayer out of the schools. People talk about the separation of church and state; if you read the Constitution, the law was written to protect the church from the state, not the state from the church. And in most cases, [blame] can be laid at the feet of the parents.

What was it like for you in high school? Did you have a positive experience? Would you do it again?

It was a very positive experience. I went to a very small school with 26 people in 12 grades, all under the same roof.

I wouldn't want to do it again, though. You can't go back to a place and expect it to be the same ... it's a pleasant memory, and I'd like to keep it that way.

Who were some of your role models?

My dad was a big influence. I was raised in a Christian home. My grandparents, my mother ... even some people whose names I don't remember but admired. Some sports figures, lots of different people.

Are there any events that changed or shaped your life?

Being a Christian has shaped my life. There have been other things, but that is the most important.

Of all the people you have performed with, who was the most interesting and why?

The Charlie Daniels Band has performed with just about anyone you can think of! Willie Nelson, the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton; it would be hard to pick somebody I was most affected by. I've learned something from a lot of them.

What advice would you give budding musicians?

First of all, you have to go where there is a music business. If you get there and you're willing to believe in yourself, then there's a whole other set of things that come into play. You must be honest with yourself about how much talent you've got. You have to seriously ask yourself if you are capable of doing it. A friend of mine from the Allman Brothers Band used to say that if you want to run with the big dogs, you have to get off the porch. And that's what you've got to do; you've got to get off the porch. Don't spend your life trying to do something you can't. Don't take somebody else's evaluation of your talent; you've got to chase those dreams.

How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a musician?

I wasn't very old. I've wanted to entertain ever since I can remember. I started to play when I was 15.

Can you give advice to beginning journalists on how to cover famous people?

Always be truthful. Always portray people in the light they present themselves. Try not to be too wordy; get to the point. Most of all, just be yourself; don't try to copy somebody else. Just work at it, believe in yourself and go for it.

Of all the songs you have performed, which is your favorite?

I can't really zero in on a favorite song. I've got a song I wrote called "Carolina, I Remember You" that means an awful lot to me. It was never a big song for us. It's a song I wrote about being a kid in North Carolina and what it was like growing up there. But I couldn't really say it's my clear-cut favorite.

What advice would you give young people about making their dreams come true?

First of all, you have to have a dream! It must be something you really want, not just for the glamour. Once you get past the glamour and into the hard work, you have to really want it to stay with it. If it's a wish or a fantasy or just a whim, you don't want to pursue the music business - it'll break your heart.

[stainlessbanner]

Came across this teenager's interview with Charlie Daniels. It's undated, but his take on school violence is interesting.

[Northern Yankee]

Love it!

[stainlessbanner]

bttt

[cowboyway]

if you read the Constitution, the law was written to protect the church from the state, not the state from the church.

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Do you think Rosie and the libs understand this concept?

Do you think they know about the Church of England and the reason the Founders considered separation of church and state to be so important that is was the first line in the first amendment?

Or, have the libs pulled a fast one on the unwashed masses, those 'American Idol' worshipers, that have no interest in history, the constitution, or understand liberty and freedom?