Great covers -- a true art

 A myth grew up in the 1960s and '70s -- one that persists, in some quarters, even today. And that is that true artists sing songs they've written. Confessional songs, songs that relatespecifically to their their own lives. 

And the corollary is that anyone with a good voice can produce a good cover of someone else's song. Producing a cover version doesn't require artistry, just a good set of pipes.

Well, this week's show, due out Saturday, is dedicated to dispelling that myth. A wonderful singer can sometimes find more in a song than the songwriter knew was in there. It's an interpretive art -- and the song, instead of being the about a single life, chronicles the lives of us all.

Or else, maybe the singer just knows how to have a heck of a lot of fun.

In any event, join us this week for an hour of great covers -- many of them done by musicians who are great songwriters in their own right. You'll hear songwriters like Little Milton, Dion, Gretchen Peters and Dolly Parton giving their own spin to songs written by others. 

And, I hope, having a darn good, finger-poppin' time while you listen.

See you there -- at http://mdspenser.wix.com/mdspenser ! 

Best wishes,

M.D. 

Little Milton

Dolly Parton

Around the world in 30 days!

Who could have believed it?

When we started The Big Fat Wide Americana Hour one month ago, the concept was adacious. 

More than one British radio exec told me it would never work. People like their preferred genre for a reason, they said. Listeners don't want variety. They don't want to hear different stuff. They don't want to hear music they haven't already heard a hundred times before.

Well, guess what? Some people are actually curious. They're stimulated by variety. They like the occasional surprise. They're happy when a radio show introduces them to music they haven't heard before.

The proof? In the first 30 days, The Big Fat Wide Americana Hour has been tuned in by people in 18 countries -- from the U.S. to the U.K., from the Netherlands to New Zealand.

See ... never underestimate people. And never underestimate the power of music. One can only wonder what the next month will hold!

Hear it here: http://mdspenser.wix.com/mdspenser  

It's a success! Onward!

And thanks for listening.

M.D.

Omission corrected! Nawlins, here we come!

How could it be? 

Five programs into The Big Fat Wide Americana Hour without so much as a nod to New Orleans -- one of the greatest of all American musical cities.

Well, in the show to be released Saturday, March 19, we correct that omission -- and how!

We present a romp though the finest of New Orleans music from past to present. Enjoy Dr. John, Big Mama Thornton, Dr. Michael White, Louis Armstrong ("Well, hello, Dolly ... This is me, Louis!)

Take a trip with us down to the bayou for some swampy rock, blues, rhythm and jazz! All beginning Saturday.

Listen here: http://mdspenser.wix.com/mdspenser

And be sure to drop me a line at mdspenser@hotmail.com. I love hearing from y'all!

Best,

M.D.

New Cover Finished!

To my fans,

Great news! The cover for Book 7 of the SHIVERS series is finished. I think it's brilliant! How about you? The book will be available on-line shortly.

All the best,

M.D. Spenser

More kid fan mail!

Take it from a kid -- don't judge a book by the cover. I love it! Thanks, Ion!

Dear Mr. Spenser,

I loved the Ghost Writer book. I like all of the Shivers books I have purchased. You're Shiver's books look like they would be bad but they turn out to be great! I started reading your Shivers books when I was seven and now I'm eight. How do you get all of these good ideas for your books? You're one of my favorite authors. 

From ION

Why I Write

 Hello all, I just got the nicest email from a kid who likes my Shivers series. Keeps me going -- making readers happy is what it's all about.

 Best wishes,

 M.D.


To MD Spenser,

 I am a very big fan of your Shivers novels for children. They are my favourite series of books.

Just a couple of questions:

1. What is your favourite?
2. How long does it take you to write one?
3. Will there be more?
4. Hello!!!!

 Thank you for your help in inspiring me to build suspense in my future books. (I am only nine and I would like to be an author!)

 Yours Sincerely,

 Sid XXXX, Your No.1 Fan. P.S.

I got your email address from the internet so I am so sorry if you are not the real person.

Coming soon: "The Haunting House!"

Look for it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Sony Nook, iBooks and other fine bookstores. And let me hear from you!

All the best,

     -- M.D.