How you supposed to compete with a dead guy?

Johnny Cash is putting out a record. Great. There goes our spot on the Americana Chart. Again. Now I certainly don't want to disrespect the departed nor do I have anything against Johnny Cash. Loved his music all my life. Met him once on Waylon's bus after a Highwaymen show. Listened to him and Willie talk about cooking rice recipes in the microwave on a tour bus. Pretty surreal...but anyway it seems that first Townes, now Johnny still come out with a new record every couple of years. The dilemma I see is that all the artists who are out here schlepping around amps from one city to the next and writing new songs are vying for the same spot on the ever so coveted Americana Chart not to mention the new Americana Grammy category.

Seems like there should be a sub-category in each genre for that. Like maybe: A.Living B. Not living (Hint: There is no C).
Just a thought.

What do you think you're doing?

Ask Mother Hubbard is the alter ego of me, Judy Hubbard, wife of singer/songwriter Ray Wylie Hubbard. It began in 2007 when Lone Star Music Magazine asked me to write a monthly column in their magazine. Not being the write a monthly column kind of gal I suggested that maybe an advice column would be more my style since I often seem to think I can manage everyone's life. (Mr. Hubbard told me once that I should just apply for the job of Queen.) Anyway, my alligator mouth once again overloaded my jaybird legs; they didn't realize I was just kidding and "Ask Mother Hubbard" was born. Since I have managed Mr. Hubbard's music career for over 20 years the majority of questions were regarding the music business. Then a few boyfriend dilemmas crept in, a roomate problem, loud dogs barking next door, and...well you get the idea.

Fast forward to 2010. The kind folks over at Dickson Productions (you know Steamboat MusicFest, CCR Cruise, Ski Jam) decided to expand their twice a year MusicFest Magazine to six issues a year and invited me to bring "Ask Mother Hubbard" on board. The new “MY” MusicFest Magazine which will launch in March 2010 will be dedicated exclusively to genuine music, the artists that create it, and the community that embraces it.
Issues of the publication will include feature articles written by artists, current CD releases and reviews, the latest news and updates from the genuine music community, and also industry reports, in-depth stories on your favorite songwriters and performers, plus festival and event reviews, information on classic venues, plus accolades.

"Ask Mother Hubbard" will answer your questions as well as include a recipe in each issue. I would love to hear from you so don't be shy. If I don't know the answer I'll find out or make up one. The only rule is that you know that I know that I am not an expert at anything. I do know that laughter is the best medicine and hope you find a chuckle or two while visiting.
XXX
Mother