Page 91 - The Westerner Magazine Halloween 2018

writer named Jamey Johnson. We wrote Bill: You don’t plan to be around then?
a song called “Give it Away,” which
Bruce: It’s not that I don’t plan to be
was the song of the year in 2007 for
around but I’m somewhat of a realist.
George Strait.

Bill: You’ll never make it in this business
When we were writing the song, Buddy
if you’re a realist. You have to be a
Cannon came up with the idea of doing
dreamer.
a little talking part on the record. I’m so
closely associated with narration, in a Bruce: I’ve enjoyed speaking with you.
song, that I wouldn’t have thought to Thank you for taking your time with me

put it in a song and give it to George today.
Strait. But doggone if it didn’t work.
Bill: I’ve enjoyed it as well and tell your

I don’t sit down and write a song and cohorts over the pond Cheerio, as well!
say, “I’m going to write in a recitation.”

I just let it fall into place, whether I’m

writing by myself or with someone else. BB

Bruce: Have there been artists that you
thought brought a new presence to

country over the years?

Bill: The one thing I tell people that

remains constant about music is that it’s
constantly evolving and changing.

Bruce: I wonder whether there’ll be
country music fifty years from now.

Bill: Well, I plan to hang around for at

least another hundred years and
observe it all. So I’ll let you know.

Bruce: You won’t be able to let me
know. [Bill laughs] But I’m pleased to
hear you’ll be around to continue to

write great music. But you won’t be
talking to me.