Can you see how nervous I am here?
Have you ever said something to someone, and immediately wished you could grab a DeLorean and go back in time? Just go back enough to tell yourself …”Nooooo, please don’t! Just tell her that her hair is pretty and that you admire her music, and move along.” Well, that didn’t happen, so I am going to embarrass myself here with this story, but hey, I’m an open book, so here it goes. A few years ago, I was at a fundraiser in a little suburb of Nashville that was raising money for struggling moms in the area to better provide for their children. I was so happy to get an invitation to this event, and I was even MORE pumped to learn that Jo Dee Messina was going to be there and playing a set!
Fast forward to me standing in line at the food buffet (I know buffet style food doesn’t sound glamorous, but let me tell you, it was southern cuisine at it’s finest (I am southern, so I know good food), and as I’m scooping a pile of potatoes onto my plate, I look over my shoulder (who doesn’t look around to see if anyone is noticing the gluttony of potato scooping, right?), and see Jo Dee! As I almost flip my plate over onto my producer, I clumsily walk up to her and call her by her ENTIRE name. That’s right, I didn’t act cool, collected, and certainly not calm. I shouted – “Jo Dee Messina!!” She looked at me, raised her eyebrows, smiled and replied – “Yep, that’s who I am.” I went on to gush about her music and career and then….THEN….I say – “Where have you been? Why aren’t you on the radio and playing concerts much anymore?” At that moment, as those words left my lips, everything slowed down, my tongue got fat and I swear, my voice converted to some demonic tone that made me sound like a record being scratched by a DJ. I immediately wanted to just turn and pretend like someone was calling me and rush to my table to smash my face into my plate of southern goodness.
Instead of running away, I took a deep breath, swallowed my pride (ok, maybe a huge gulp of wine), and waited for her response. After she gracefully thanked me for the rush of compliments I bestowed upon her, she quite firmly said -“I haven’t gone anywhere. I tour, write new songs, and make appearances everywhere, all the time.” At that point, I realized how naive I was about how hard working musicians are still out there, making their presence known to their fans, and creating new ones with every turn of the tour bus wheels.
Another fast forward to when Jo Dee takes the stage. Her band fires up the first song, I stand up and sing along to it, and every other song thereafter. She takes a break after about three songs and decides to talk to the audience for a bit. I am standing, smiling, and then….THEN…remember when I gave you the earlier analogy of the DJ scratching the record? She says – “Someone approached me earlier and asked where I’ve been. I haven’t gone anywhere!” As I lower my head in shame, she actually proceeds to thank me for the dialogue because it gave her a chance to use that conversation as a way to relate to the audience that night, reminding them that just because an artist isn’t in the top 10 on the Billboard charts anymore, they are still out there, following their passion, and continuing to connect to audiences everywhere.
So, there it is, my embarrassing encounter with Jo Dee. Do you know what else I garnered from my meeting with her? That I, too, have a responsibility to follow my passion and connect with my audience. I hope you continue to see the value in my work, and that you and I can form a connection that allows my musical journey to be a part of your world. If you’re curious about my sound, you’ll notice influences from Jo Dee, to Sheryl Crow, classic rock, country, soft rock, and more!
Thank you for being a listener and for making it all matter.
Lana
Meeting Jo Dee Messina
I loved your boldness and it’s ok ask someone where they’ve been if you haven’t heard from them for long periods of time. Sometimes we think we must always ask good questions but there are no stupid ones either. Communication is key if you want to know something about someone and you did that by telling your story with your interaction with a celebrity.
So true, Debbie! Thank you for this thoughtful reply!
Meeting Jo Dee!
Love the openness and vulnerability in your story about meeting Jo Dee!
Thank you! It was funny and scary at the same time. Haha
Music Attorney
Dear Lana White,
The Great Samuel Clemens writing u der his pen name,Mark Twain, once said, “It
Is better to have written than to write.”
I have long marveled over the perplexity of Those simple words from one
Of our greatest literary geniuses, &
Have come to The SAME conclusion as has the
Nike brand,
“Just Do It.”
The Artist does the same as the fierce warrior, in as many words as “I came, I saw, I conquered.”
The SAME can be said for a Performer.
Your transgression
At the time was NOT
At all an embarrassment to
Jo Dee, as she knew
She was doing her thing.
Rather, it was a wake up call to yourself
To pay attention to
The process of verse,
Performance, & endeavor, as It has
Reminded you that every song, yea, every
Album can’t go Platinum, but rather is a fortitude of
Constant strive, ambition, & determination to keep moving forward and doing the best you
Can.
Towards this end,
You have unequivocally
Succeeded in remaining
In tune with your audience, not taking
Your success for granted, & being
Humble in course to
Know that your musical articulation is being
Well received and appreciated.
Toward that end,
All I can do.is give you a loud “Hoorah!”
for all your efforts.
Respectfully,
& Humbly Yours,
In Admiration of
You as a Performer,
Lee Marc Burg
Attorney at Law
Thank you for such a kind, thoughtful comment. I agree that every album won’t soar to the top! You have to keep making meaningful, heartfelt music that your audience loves, no matter if reaches commercial success or not. Thank you again!
Thank you, Lee! Those are wise words and I appreciate them!
Wow ! You done what ever other human who love their music would do , or I think they would & if I was anywhere near where you are I would def, scream out your name & only if only get a massive hug ! lol I wouldn’t care how embarrassed it made me ! you are so wonderful to watch & listen to !
Gerald, that is so kind of you to say! I think showing vulnerability with other is the key to connection. It’s ok to be “not cool” when we meet someone we admire. Ha!
It’s not a bad thing to be open, sometimes you bring things to light that others may not see. This can make than aware of the things that make them special and help them understand things from another person’s point of view.
So true, Dana! Thank you for this perspective!!
Nice to know I’m not alone. Chatted with Reba McIntyre on twitter & got all flustered. Never spoke to a celebrity before. Fired off question after question. Couldn’t stop. She was very gracious. Got another fav song from it, Mary Did You Know. So embarrassed, just wanted to crawl in a hole. Then you asked me to listen to a song on twitter. Same thing all over again. Got the 3 songs. Wonderful, thanks! You’re the real deal.
Oh wow, I’m sure that was a cool experience to chat with Reba! I hope you enjoy the three songs you received from me. The work that goes into each song comes from my heart, so thank you for reaching out!
Hi Miss Lana White:
Thanks for the message and your songs offer.
I read your blog, very well written and made more engaging by your personal touch and nice narration.
Perfectly OK to ask Qs.
Last here in Manila I interviewed NASA scientist Florence Tan.
“I always say it’s OK to ask questions. There is no such thing as a stupid question. You can always learn, you can always inform, you can always clarify.
“The thing is, if don’t question, chances are somebody else in the room probably has the same problem and is too shy (to ask),” Ms. Tan said.
So take comfort that you did the right thing about asking Jo Dee Messina. Is she by any chance related to Messina of Loggins and Messina?
Thanks and take care.
In Manila last July 17 (last month), I interviewed NASA scientist Florence Tan for Business Mirror daily paper.
“There is no such thing as stupid question. You can always learn, you can always inform, you can always clarify.
“If you don’t ask question, chances are somebody else in the room has the same problem, but to shy (too ask,)” she said.
So, nothing’s wrong about being inquisitive for it brings knowledge and information. So, there. Take comfort!
Thanks for your songs.
Good points! Thank you for the reach out with your perspective! I hope you enjoy the songs!
In situations like this, the nerves betray, it is part of life, to recognize and to make conscience is humility and humanity.
Recently I listened to your music and I liked your style a lot, do not lose that spirit, keep creating and giving your art. Best regards.
Thank you for this response. How deeply accurate and relatable your words are! I appreciate your taking the time to listen to my music, and I appreciate the encouragement!
It is quite tonguetied to meet your idol or hero. I was the same when I met Duane eddy not once but twice ! I even met his drummer son. You just turn into a little kid and lose the power of coherent speech. Fortunately all turned out well and I got autographs and a photo.
Wow, that is the coolest, and you are so right, haha. I’m glad you got a photo and autographs!!
Awesome story
That was quite a story ! I met the Bellamy Brothers after a show. They asked why I was there? I said it’s my birthday and no one else would go with me so I came by myself. They grabbed a Confederate flag and signed it… happy Birthday Steven from the Bellamy Brothers.
That’s so cool! Good for you for going alone. In my opinion, going to music events alone just allows you take it all in more intimately because you can really focus on the show. How kind of them to sign the flag for you!
Star struck
I get that star struck feeling every time I talk to you!
Love your music!
Aw, Scott, you are too sweet. Thank you, my friend! XO
Almost flipping your plate of taters
Hey Lana,
Yea I’ve done that also, not to a big star like J.D. but yup – opened mouth inserted foot, but then she put a neat twist on it also, so in one sense, it was funny and embarrassing at first, but then what turned out to be a embarrassing moment (especially if you flipped ur plate of taters) turned out to be a rewarding thing. It’s true, artists that aren’t constantly on the top 10 billboard didn’t die off or said screw this business, they are still doing what they love to do – make music, entertain the audience. You don’t need to be on top to be the best you are.
You are so right, Rob! I should have known that she would still be out there touring! I had just not heard anything from her in so long, I just couldn’t help but ask, but I also think I just said the first thing that popped into my head. Haha. I think the Billboard top 10 is overrated anyway! My favorite songs from artists I love never make it to the charts! Thank you for this comment!
So true, Warren! They are still touring, making new music, and living the dream! Thank you for the response!
Lana White Latest CD
Hey Lana, What Can I Say, You Got to Meet Jo Dee Mesina, That is Like So Bad ASS!! I Wish You A Very long Success on Your Latest Album. I Will Be Purchasing Your Latest CD. And Loving it..
Hi Christopher,
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was so awesome to meet Jo Dee! She was a true professional and so very sweet and personable as well! Please stay in touch and let me know how you like my album. Feedback is so important to me! Thank you again!
Reply to Lana
YES, I will Lana,Your CD, Will Be Replacing,ZZTop,Kelly Clarkson,Faith Hill,Carrie Underwood,The Wrecker’s 2006,Hank Jr,Kid Rock & Sheryl Crow..
Thank you so much, Chris! What a compliment to even be mentioned with those names. : )
Message for Lana
Hey Lana, That is so Cool that you got to Meet Jo Dee Mesina!! I saw Her(Jo Dee Mesina) at Country Fest in Texas Motor Speedway in 1997. She Always Put’s on a Great Show. I’m so Happy for You!! Always Wishing You The Best Success!! You Rock Lana!! Love & Peace Always, CatMan Chris J. Myrick. HOO-RAH!!
I Enjoy your music Lana and greatly appreciate your effort to reach out to the public in such a personal and sincere way.And I’m sure that Jo Dee gushed over someone sometime during her rise to stardom. Good luck.
Hi David,
Thank you for your kind words! I am thrilled that you like the music! I think every famous person has gushed over their mentors for sure! Ha!
Hi Lana,
As I have said on many occasions … inside every one of us is a five year old child full of questions. 😄
Never be ashamed of wanting to know … it’s through being bold enough to ask that we learn the answers, and that’s how we grow.
Love the songs, thank you.
Blessings,
Roger.
Hi Roger,
Thank you for this thoughtful response. It is so funny how we act when we meet celebrities. Haha, I just blabbed and blabbed….foot in mouth! It was a memorable, fun evening, and now it’s just a great story to tell! I am so happy you love my songs!
Blessings back to you.
Hi Lana,
Thank you for sharing your story and openness. As a fan of many things, from music, to sports, to the arts I had opportunities to meet artists that I watched and respected. I have been and would be just as nervous and gritty as you. What you have shared with us shows how much of a down to earth wonderful person you are. You have human emotions like all of us.
Maybe one day some of us will have the opportunity and chance to meet you be just as bitty or nervous. I enjoy the sound, lyrics and emotion of your music. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Kevin, thank you for your very kind words. I am sorry for the late response…I am just now seeing this! I appreciate that you have listened to my songs with so much music available to you!