Nov. 6, 2007

Could "My Florida Home" replace "Way Down Upon the Swanee River?" It could if state music educators pick it in a contest they are running to choose a new state song for Florida.

The top 3 finalists will be announced next month. I've downloaded the song so you can listen to it. You can go to my Reviews page and post your comments about what you think about the song. Then keep your fingers crossed for me! Win or lose, I'll let you know here in my blog how it turns out.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, I've been thinking about the people who have been so helpful in pursuing my dream to be a songwriter. If– no when – I make it as a songwriter, one of the people at the top I’ll be thanking is Tim Buppert.

I met Tim while attending a March 2006 Symposium in Nashville. Since then, he’s sung 10 of my demo songs. Those of you who have my CD, “My Hometown,” know how much Tim brings to every song he sings.

I’m also grateful that this talented, humble Nashville star has become my friend and mentor. Tim has sung on more than 7,000 productions with some of the biggest recording names and companies. When I asked him “How did it happen?” he said, “Jack, I get up every morning and do what I love to do. I’ve plugged myself into every opportunity that allows me to grow and do what I do.”

So, I’m doing my best to follow Tim’s advice and plug into every opportunity I can. Besides submitting my song to the state's contest, I've increased the number of performances. Check out my list of live performances. I'd love to see you soon! And if you know of places that have open mic nights or other opportunities where I can share my songs, please contact me at jack@jackspeersongwriter.com THANK YOU!

It would be nice to imagine having a positive affect on an aspiring songwriter as a result of doing what I love to do, as Tim has had on me.

Jack