Here's a little bit of info on the making of "Do the Right Thing - Songs 2 Make U Think!
Glenn Beck inspired me to write this album. When he started his show (on Fox News) Glenn asked America to use our talents to do something to inspire America with emphasis on America’s values & principles. He told us to check back in before 9-12-09. I sent him a copy of my “work" on 8-27-09 and made my “silent pledge” goal to God, Glenn Beck and myself. What a sweet day it was!
All the lyrics & music were written & performed by God & little ol' me. God definitely used me as a tool - He would wake me up late at night with a song that had to come out. My husband Gene helped me with the keyboard strings, keyboard piccolo, & keyboard tuba. I programmed the electronic drums. I sang all the vocal parts with the exception of "Mr. Tweets" which features background vocals by my sister Deanna Neff and my husband Gene.
My husband Gene and I live in Las Vegas, Nevada. We have a Big Band in town - The Gene White Orchestra. Our forte’ is music from the Swing Era 1930’s & 40’s with emphasis on Glenn Miller. We have a four part vocal group called the Swing Patrol that does all the intricate vocals of The Modernaires as well as many other vocal groups. It's a tough time for musicians in Las Vegas as it is for most Americans around the country. But we're at war so we’re Hunkerin' Down!
Most of my songs can be viewed on YouTube.
Some inside info on my tunes:
1. “Do the Right Thing”-(the album’s title song) is all about America’s values and principles.
2. "Hold Me Close America"- I started writing the song before 9-11 and quickly finished it after that horrific day. It's a tribute to out U.S. Troops & Veterans.
3. “Cup of Liberty”- (You Represent Me!) is close to my heart because I really was able to voice my feelings about how the government is supposed to represents all of us!
4. "Mr. Tweets"- (I Cannot Live Without My Freedom) is a true story about a tiny injured mourning dove. I wrote the song the day he died. It was healing for me and insightful as to what life is all about.
5. "Let's Cocoon" - I wrote this song for my husband for our 20th Anniversary!
6. "In A Heartbeat"- was written for my nephew Marine Gunnery Sergeant Douglas Dickover. He has served two tours in Iraq, and will be serving a tour next year in Afghanistan. God Bless our U.S. Troops and Veterans!!
7. “It’s D.C. or Bust”- (In God We Trust!) I have had so many sleepless nights being concerned with our country. We have the freedom to voice our opinions. That is exactly what this song is about –marchin’ on D.C. and letting our leaders know we’re not going to be ignored any longer.
8. “God Is Home”- I have been told that this song is full of hope and healing.
9. “The Sleepin’ Giant Is Awake”- The title says it all! This song is for all the hard working folks who are enduring hours of no sleep writing letters, organizing & attending town halls and tea parties, voicing their concerns about America’s issues, and marching by foot, wheelchair, walker, and iron will!
10. “The Pink Cloud of Obama” - was originally a campaign song for people to wake up and think before they voted. It was written in Remembrance of 9-11. After the election I changed the 2nd verse to ask America to be aware of the lack of security on our borders and get off that pink cloud!
11. “No More Bad News” – is about how awful our news media had become. I sent it to all the television news media... with no response of course. Ironically, we finished recording it and found out Walter Cronkite had died that very same day.
12. “Hunkerin’ Down” was written for Americans who are struggling with their finances. I always say to my husband and friends, hey, remember we’re at war, we gotta start hunkerin’ down! It reminds America to be grateful to our hard working U.S. Troops and Vets who really do take the “heat” for us!
13. "My Mother's Hands" - written about my amazing Mother, God rest her sweet soul! She passed her patriotic torch to me. I hope that I make you proud, Ma.
14. "The Truth Will Keep Us Free" is dedicated to all the hard working brave American Patriots who have united to save our blessed America. They have devoted so many hours writing, e-mailing, and faxing our leaders. They are sacrificing their time with their families in order to organize tea parties and rallies, attend townhalls and meetings, and spend their hard earned dollars to travel to destinations in order to have their voices heard. These Americans are true heroes.
15. “The Star-Spangled Banner” was added for the tea parties to use. I have received so many requests to sing for tea parties and they want me to sing our blessed National Anthem!
