Posted on 10/09/2005 2:30:49 PM PDT by girlangler
Stones' keyboardist wins Bush environment award By John Helprin Associated Press October 5, 2005
WASHINGTON -- The Rolling Stones' keyboardist has carved out a new role as the Bush administration's idea of the model conservationist.
Chuck Leavell took time from the Stones' "A Bigger Bang" world tour to meet Tuesday with Interior Secretary Gale Norton, a day after playing the MCI Center. He and his wife, Rose Lane, were named "Outstanding Citizen Stewards" for their tree farming near Macon, Ga.
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For him, it's only forests, family and rock and roll.
"Her family has been connected to the land for generations, and they have shown me the passion that they have for the love of the land, wanting to leave it in better shape than you found it. And that's really the mantra that we have," he said at a ceremony in Norton's office. "The only other thing I can say is -- this rocks!"
Norton praised the Leavells for turning the 2,000-acre Charlane Plantation that his wife inherited in 1981 into a model tree farm, and for their frequent public talks about what they do.
The family tree farm raises Southern yellow pine for use in homes and paper products. It uses prescribed burns, seasonal mowing and feedlots for wildlife such as quail, deer and a black bear on the tree farm, he said.
Leavell, a Democrat from Alabama, has been a keyboard player for artists such as the Allman Brothers Band, Eric Clapton and George Harrison.
"Please allow me to introduce myself, I'm a man of wealth and fame . . .
"Please to meet you, hope you get my name . . ."
Was listening to the Sirius Stones network on my satellite TV while working and I came across this. So, thought I'd post it for you Freeper Stones fans.
Maybe Jagger wrote "Sweet Neocon" about Chuck Leavell LOL.
We saw them Thursday.
"The Rolling Stones' keyboardist has carved out a new role as the Bush
administration's idea of the model conservationist."
Is this another Bush sellout? I always thought the Rolling Stones sounded like a dying cat in a hail storm pissing on a flat rock. Their popularity always amazed me. I have to admit, some of their songs are cool when someone else plays them.
How was it? We're seeing them in Atlanta Saturday.
Isn't "tree farming" often used just as a ploy to get tax breaks?
PositiveCogins,
No, this is not a Bush sellout. These folks apparantly practice sound wildlife management practices, etc., on their property, and probably deserve the recognition.
What's wrong with that?
I know many conservationists, both Democrats and Republicans, who own large tracts of land and manage them for the betterment of wildlife, making life better for others.
As for taste in music, I think it depends a lot on what one was listening to when landmark events happened in their life experiences.
In a lot of mine, I was listening to the Stones.
Chuck Leavell is probably the best rock and roll piano player in the business. He's played with the Stones for years and also played with the Allman Brothers. His sound was a big part of what made the Allmans' "Brothers and Sisters" record so darned good. Chuck's the man.
"Isn't "tree farming" often used just as a ploy to get tax breaks?"
You are right and Southern yellow pine is on the list.
Yep. Just another Bush sellout.
Teddy Kennedy says Bush starts a war for political advantage and his dad gives Teddy K an award.
Stones write "Sweet neocon" and one of them get an award.
Maybe the lesson is if you bash Bush hard enough, he'll give you an award.
CLevel was a name he recorded for some solo projects. Outstanding foot thumpin piano.
Heaven forbid someone should do something to get a tax break. Especially not if it's a positive endeavor in its own right. Can't have that.
There is some real money in tree farming, but you need patience!
Guess your line of thought on Rock and Roll music is in the miniority being the STONES sold out every venue in less than two hours and are adding more to the tour .BTW , WHO covers their music better than they do ??
I saw them at Giants stadium, WILL see them in Philly Monday and in Tampa a week this Wednesday . IORR and I LOVE IT !
Huck,
I used to enjoy listening to the Allman Brothers. And I see he played for Charlie Daniels!!!
I interviewed Charlie years ago for a story in Lake Charles Louisiana. A sweet man and a real patriot. I don't have the article in front of me, but I remember asking him a lot of questions about a song he'd just released, I think titled "Still In Saigon."
And he sure can play a fiddle.
"Fire on the mountain, run boys run . . . Devil's in the house of the rising sun. . ."
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