No thanks, close this window
Hey Emily, thanks for the "Friending".... You are a great talent.... Rockford, eh? I am east of that in Hickory Corner.... Keep up the great work. We gotta beat back the AI with truth, honesty and authenticity..... Best, Chet Nichols .... http://www.chetnichols.net 1
Hey Baby, thanks for the review of my hopeful song of people passing away. Tough topic to write about and do it well. Yeah, as a sync song it would have to find the just the right opportunity. Oddly enough, I just wrote it after my brother and sister-in-law passed away unexpectedly as a way to release my grief. I have placing sync songs for about 50 years so I know that game. It is much harder these days. As a HOF writer/artist I have learned to just honor an idea and write the song and it will find a home somewhere. A lot of my vintage songs from the 60's and beyond are popular because producers are looking for that a lot these days. That said, the song, "The Sands Of Time", has been in a tug of war between to entities. One is a movie studio and the other is my "contract" publisher, Sony Music....who I decided to work with them yesterday. Wonders never cease in the music bizz. Best of luck with your endeavors.... Chet
Hey Chet, Glad you liked my funky track "Muscle Scholls Blues". lyrics would be great.....let me know I checked out a lot of your stuff.... Impressed! Thanks Marvin
Thank you for your review, However I think you need to refresh your computer. My songs are there. Maybe there's a glitch on your side you're not aware of
Hey Baby, how you doing. Not my computer.... probably a player issue with BJ. I am constantly reviewing songs and sometimes...it gets a little wonk-kay. NO harm meant... love to hear the track....zip-it to me on the Kango Line, dig?
Really enjoyed your tracks, the vibe and production feel intentional and well thought out. You've built a sound that translates beyond just listening and feels ready for a wider audience. I genuinely enjoy supporting artists like this and helping connect their music with active listeners who appreciate the sound and actually engage. I'd love to stay connected and hear more about what you're working on, and explore simple ways to help expand your fan base and improve sales. If you're open to a brief chat, feel free to reach me. Great work, this really deserves a wider ear. Cheers, Peter
Hi Chet, Thanks so much for the 5 Star rating on When I Believe. I really appreciate you listening to it, and I'm glad you liked it. It's been a minute, so while I'm here, I'll have a listen to a song or two. Thanks again.... be and stay well! Frank
Hello My Musical Friend! Thank for the review of "Gunther" Chet! I did that a while back in Memphis with members of "Black Oak Arkansas" To get a rating like that from you makes me happy! You are a dynamic powerhouse and that just keeps soaring! What a Great mentor to have for any songwriter or artist! All The Best From Florida! Pat
My Pleasure, now, pass the plate of nip over to me...
UR?UR
I suppose I am.... Everything ok your way? Vi
Iam?Iam
Johnny 5 is alive?
Hi Michael, thanks for the review of my "live version" of my song, "Lumbering Mountain". It was recorded "live back" in 1971 at the astute Cowtown Ballroom in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. That is a "real live audience" and not AI. They didn't have AI back in 1971. And as far as I can remember, there were no "live clapping seals in the back ground". That particular evening, I was performing my opening show for The Kansas City Philharmonic Orchestra at Cowtown. It was the first time that a Philharmonic Orchestra had ever performed at a rock 'n' roll venue. That was one of the very few "live performances" recorded of my shows, which is odd considering I toured as a solo-act from 1967 till 1981 and was playing about 150-180 shows a year. But, the NAME act normally were the ones who the sound guys recorded. I toured and opened as a solo, singer-songwriter and performer on guitar, piano, dulcimer and harmonica for people like: Linda Ronstadt, John Denver, The Jefferson Airplane, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, BB King, Poco, Eagles, John Lee Hooker, the Dead, Janis Joplin, Jethro Tull, Brewer & Shipley, Charlie Daniels, Kris Kristofferson, The Guess Who and many others. It was an amazing period in my career. After my final performance, the orchestra had me join them playing harmonica. After that the conductor gave me one of the gold-leaf music stands as a gift from the orchestra. I still feature it proudly in my studio. Yes, the track may not be one of the vintage pristine "live tracks" from the era because the mic set-up was set to record the orchestra, so it is a little uneven, but the essence shines through. I am grateful we could salvage the old tape and make a couple passes to transfer it to a digital format many years later. Also, respect your not caring for the song. Not every song is for everyone. I respect other people's opinions. I wrote that song as a tribute to my long-time acoustic guitar, "Polly", that I had custom-made back in 1966. I toured with "Polly" for years and is still my main recording guitar for acoustic. Every other guitar-ist who heard that guitar offered to buy it. Stephen Stills adored that guitar and offered me $10,000 to buy it. I refused. "Lumbering Mountain" was one of Stephen Still's and David Crosby's favorite songs I had written. I created a very special tuning for that song. I used to climb the tall hill behind my Kansas farm with Polly in tow and sat at the top of the "mountain" and write songs. There is a version that is not a "live" version on my album, "Lumbering Mountain". So, there is a little background to this song. I am sorry it didn't live up to your standards and expectations. But, at the time, it was what came from my imagination. Hope you have a great Holiday! Chester
Thank you so much for the starts sir: They mean a lot coming from a man of your vast songwriting experience. Take care.
thanks for the stars
"Spinning on the Time Loop" is the Crocodile Rock Around the Clock! Terrific energy on the piano and a rockin' tune to go with it!
Hey John, Good Morning from the waving prairie of northern Illinois, where the trees are alive with a Kaleidoscope of colors as the harvesting machines moan softly in the early dawn retrieving the soybeans and corn from their moist beds of black soil..... love the term, "Crocodile Rock Around The Clock" of our time. Speaking of "Waving Prairie", I think you will love this track. It is one of my songs I consider a masterpiece.... https://chetnichols.net/single-the- waving-prairie
I must listen after we go to the grocery store this morning. Your poetic description of the prairie describes how lovely it would be in autumn. My memories of some beautiful places were US 151 through rolling hills of Wisconsin in 1973, when I think it was a two-laner, the only kind of road to see the countryside. I've been through Illinois on Interstate 80, freeways being a poor way to see anything. Also, the row houses along the northern approach into Dubuque. I have your song bookmarked. "Waving Prairie" looks like a signature song of yours. My guess that you have more signature songs, as terrific songwriters usually do. I've got to get around this morning. It wont be long before our boss, Meka, comes meowing to us for attention.
Hey, Chet. I listened to "Waving Prairie." That song is epic! Melody is energetic and vast as the prairie it's written about, lyrically amazing...great song of hope and determination. I love how clear and crisp the guitar strings are in the recording. Like I said, it's epic. Beautifully done! John
Hey John, THANKS for the wonderful review of my song, "Bernadelle". You got it! It is a story-telling song, which may not be in vogue, but I like to write songs that paint pictures. Edgar Allan Poe once mused, "The highest art form is the combination of music and words". I wrote the song to honor and celebrate, my first music teacher, Sister Bernadelle, whom I met in grade school, when I was 6 years old and who an incredible musician and artist and a Catholic nun. She was an amazing human being. She recognized my talents and nurtured them and taught me cello, piano and singing. Because of her skills as a teacher, people considered me a child prodigy on cello and piano, and I competed in many competitions bi-monthly from the time I was 8 till 14, when I went off to highs school. I never lost a competition. In the 7th and 8th grade, I became the first-chair Concert Master for the Chicago Archdiocese Orchestra as a cellist which was quite and honor because "first chair" always was award to the top violinist. I transitioned my love for cello to 6 string guitars. In my first group sing class, in first grade, was where she actually "discovered" me as my voice was so loud and high, it cut through the voices gathered students. As a child, I had learned to sing from my father, who was a popular opera and radio singer in Chicago in the 1930's AND my mother, who had a sweet, perfect voice that would serenade me to sleep after my father crossed-over-to-glory when I was 7. But Sister Bernadelle actually recorded me singing for the very first time when I was 6 on a shiny Wollensack reel-to-reel machine in her music room at school. I sang a song about bouncing a red rubber ball. I have never forgotten Sister Bernadelle. I wrote this song for her after wondering, "If she had not been a nun, where would she have lived, what would her life be like and what would she have done". As you listen to the song and read the lyrics...they will take you on that journey. Best. Chester
I listened again to "Bernadelle," read the lyrics over. That's a wonderful story you put together in a very poetic way. Very good fortune for her to have been such a mentor for you! Interesting and colorful past you've had doing music from the time you were very young. Have you found your songs read like a diary? My songs most definitely are. Best to you, too! John
Hey Chet, thanks for the review of Wanda the Wiper. It's actually a true story that happened to me on tour. She so impressed me and cracked me up. On the way home in the dark I was scribbling unintelligible lyrics on a little pad of paper to my right as I drove. 8 years later I tracked her down and talked to her on the phone and sent her my NanaTunes CD that had her song on it. She became famous overnight ha ha. MK
I knew who the song was by....and I KNEW....it was a true story.... I had a similar experience when I found out the hard way that a girlfriend has "dumped me"..... silly girl..... she came crawling back and I shook her hand and said, "Nice knowing you"..... but this is a fun song....
https://www.broadjam.com/songs/chet nichols/thank-you-for-breaking-my-h eart
Thank you for your lovely review of The Sound Was Freedom. Doreen & William
Hi Anastasiya.... excellent tracks....really enjoyed them and added then to my FAVORITES list. I recently released a collection of piano solo tracks entitled "Sierra Lullabies".... you might like it... https://chetnichols.net/instrumenta ls-sierra-lullabies-piano-solos ..... Keep up the great work..... Best, Chet Nichols
One more time, thanks so much, Chester, for your attention, great feedback and support regarding my music! I hugely appreciate it. Your marvellous music is pure beauty, it's such a joy to listen to it. Very much look forward to hearing your new works!
Hey Super Duper Man....! Thanks for the 5-star comment about my instrumental, "The Love I Want To Show"> It is most appreciated. You should look up my songs, "I Know Who You Are" and "The Secret OF life"....nice songs for a Jazz Cat like you! Best to you! Chet Nichols http://www.chetnichols.net 1
Hi Cool Chet, you are quite welcome. Thanks for giving me 5 stars on my song "All About You" I truly appreciate it. I dig your songs, man. Your style & vibe are original and unique. Continue producing great music! I will definitely listen to more of your musical wares. Until the next episode, keep it real, brother... John aka Solo.
Hey Scott! Thanks for the review of the my song, "The Last Riders On Route 66"! Much appreciated it. Back in 1967, during Spring Break, my buddy, Pete Reiter, and I threw caution to the wind and hitch-hiked from Oklahoma City to Laurel Canyon to Huntington Beach to Santa Monica and back to Oklahoma City in April over a 2 week period. WHAT AN ADVENTURE and tale. In fact, I got my first first big break as a solo act, when a club owner discovered me playing on the beach and invited me to come and play at his club across from the beach, where I opened for "Ian and Sylvia" for 2 nights. He paid me $50 for 2 shows per night and I could pass the hat and take home the tips. I paid for the trip from those two nights. Anyway, the story stayed with me as a couple years later I embarked on a solo-recording and touring career that took me all over the country for 14 and was especially used by access to Route 66. When I moved over to the film business and started writing scripts, I vowed to write the story of our Route 66 adventure....where it depicts my first leg of the journey riding with a friend who took me from Chicago to Oklahoma City where I attended Oklahoma City University my first year. So, I began writing a novel about my journey and named it, "The Last Riders On Route 66". It is now in in it's 4th pressing. You can get it at Amazon. ( https://www.amazon.com/Last-Riders- Route-66/dp/B0DGXNLN64/ref=tmm_pap_ swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se& dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QK7DeRNmyQenf4owm1 0cZsvOkUTfQuGQ-8lh8Ti1hI8dfChTa7LMc 9iyfQOYpODj0age0F8jvDF4ffw8YcmWeh9f W1MDJkRNlCAbQLYW83peDxi47l4yQ35R8uS JhY1UnCsNimJNvQNa-WRMow2YNg.XN59CFc QkKjElM337CqtyTdoHJ9jC2blO20NYES4sC 8&qid=1748448691&sr=8-1) Or you can get it directly from me at: https://chetnichols.net/novels I wrote the song, when a friend told me about an International Theme Song Contest about Route 66, so I modeled the song about the novel......AND...... it won the GRAND PRIZE!... The NEXT YEAR, the follow-up song, "The Mother Road", also won the Grand Prize. https://chetnichols.net/track/40055 85/the-mother-road-ts-band Anyway, I laughed when I saw you and done the trip too.... Hope you are well.... Chester PS ODDLY enough I have a 2nd meeting with a film producer who is interested with the story.....TODAY....
Wow hey that's a great story my friend. All I got was kicked of the beach at Laguna for sleeping. haha Long story short I ended up hitchhiking for the next two years and went coast to coast and had some amazing adventures. Great news about the film project I hope it goes well and I'll watch the movie when it comes out. Great song btw. Scott
There is a great line about hitch-hiking in my song, "The Waving Prairie".......Having done it. I picked up my fair share.....Once picked up a hitch-hiking, blonde model and her Congo drum out on the middle of the New Mexican desert. She was stunning and going to New York from LA. I really don't think she was human. Took her to Kansas and she stayed a couple AMAZING days and then....I woke up and she was gone...in the middle of the night.......Pooof. Best. Chet
Hey another great story Chet, someday I'll have to tell you the story of how I lost my boots in the back of a hookers Cadillac just outside of Reno. haha I had to go bear foot until I got to Yellowstone. So many great memories form the road. Take care. Scott
Hey Bartholomew....Thanks for the great review of my blues song, "I Come From Chicago"....wrote back in 1964.....and it has gone thru a few re-records... it is a great band song.... people love it when I play it...... Best, Chet Nichols ...... http://www.chetnichols.net 1
I enjoyed listing. Looking forward to going over and putting an ear to more.
Hey Mel2nes, thanks for the kind and thoughtful review of my instrumental, "Old Friends". There is a version with lyrics at my site Check it out. Best regards, Chet Nichols
I appreciate the intelligent review of my song "Lights in Brooklyn"... I listened to some of your stuff,.... well done and keep creating!!
Thanks Barry... stay COOL! Chet
Hi Chet--- apologies my earlier comment was meant for Mel2nes and I typed it on your thread to them by accident!! so I hope there was no confusion..!
Hey Marc, thanks for the kind and thoughtful review of my songs, "The Blue" and "You Ran Away". To compare it to a Kenny Rankin track, was great. Thank you". "The Blue" does has have more produced version (w/ Synth and strings) which is at my website. Best regards, Chet Nichols
Happy to make your acquaintance..... Best, Chet Nichols
Hello Chet, same here, sorry for the late reply, had to deal with health issues and way too much work...
I get it....hard to stay in you have fences to mend.... be well, Chester
Hi Chad, Thanks so much for taking the time to listen to and review 'I Like His Kinda Luvin'. I really appreciate your thoughtful and useful comments and feedback. And I'm also glad you like the song! It looks like you've been busy writing and recording more stuff, so I'll peruse through some of your new things and have a listen. Thanks again for the review. Be safe and be well. Frank
My pleasure....check out my new song, "The Country Ball".... I'll teach you how to yodel! Chet
Will do Chet... and sorry for the typo on your name in my previous comment... fat fingers and lazy eyes here! Frank
Hey My Friends, Thanks for the nice review aand for qdding my country instrumental version of my song, "Red White and Bleuw" to your "Best On Broadjam" List. Very kind of you. Next question is, what do you folks do? Where are you from? I would love to chat with you. The song you selected, "Red, White & Blue" comes from a NEW curated song album of country jams and instrumentals that I created and released to my SYNC clients.... Let me now.... Best, Chet Nichols
Hey Shelly, thanks for the nice review of the "full instrumental version" of my song, "The Love I want To Show". There are versions of the songs with vocal and lyrics and music at Broadjam. The solo version is on the top ten chart somewhere at Broadjam. To help you, hear all the different versions, I will include a link to my website that has them all bundled together: https://chetnichols.net/single-the- love-i-want-to-show .... I think you will like these tracks. The band track is very nice, where the solo version is powerful and dynamic. Best to you, Chet Nichols
Thanks for the review chet!
You are welcome..... I just posted a new piano solo album. Gentle, mellow, intimate and semi-magical. It is entitled, "Sierra Lullabies". Nice way to sit back and chill or fall asleep to.... At my Broadjam site..... God Bless, Chester
I have to say, I have met some very nice people here -- and very talented as well -- on Broadjam. It is not without some real regret that I have decided not to renew my membership this coming April. There is no money to be made for me here. Perhaps my music is too dated, or too eccentric, or too far removed from mainstream commercial genres -- or, frankly, not good enough. In any case, I can not justify spending the few precious dollars I have simply to maintain a few friendships -- not withstanding the genuine inspiration and encouragement they have given me. This, honestly, is not why I've spent several years in this place. I will, however, continue an online presence via Bandcamp, Facebook, and Soundcloud -- for now anyway. Should you like/follow me in these places, I will certainly return the favor. All the best to you, good people! Tony Tersmette, aka 'Rex'
Hello Rex, I read your "goodbye" with an open heart, mind and soul. Let me tell you from the beginning, that I "get it". The music business is very different these day than it was when I first started playing back in the 60's. I have lived the ups and downs. I just had lunch with a friend yesterday who I helped to get started in the creative content business years ago. He was (is?) a big fan of mine. We chatted a lot about that business, specially about the music business AND MY CAREER. "Chester, I have worked with so many people in the business with "house hold names" and they can not hold a candle to you and what you do DO, have done and CAN do. It seem that there were so many forces that surrounded us and you kept getting yanked away from grabbing the BRASS RING." I won't bore you with the details, but I will ask that you visit my website and read my bio: http://www.chetnichols.com 1 But, what is important to me RIGHT NOW is not me; It is YOU. So, here are some things to think about. First, of all, let's talk about "mindset". Never, ever, ever, ever put yourself and/or say negative things to or about yourself, EVER. God and the universe ARE listening. ALWAYS, be positive. Who do people talk to the MOST? Why, it's THEMSELVES, right? And would you want to hang out with ANYONE who says negative to or about you? NO! RIGHT? So, be more positive. Comment to it right away. NOW! OK? Also, I teach this to people and charge for the teaching, but you are getting a freebie. How would you feel if there was a knock on your door and someone walked in and TOOK all your music equipment? Would you say, "Thank God, all that crap is gone?" Probably not, so stop bushwacking yourself. OK? Next, BROADJAM. I got involved with Broadjam when they were providing the ONLINE music platform fro Taxi, when they didn't have one or knew how to build one. I was a young hotshot tech guy and an early member of Taxi, so I joined Broadjam to she what they could offer. I have a love/dislike relationship with what these platforms offer. I really like the people (ROY at Broadjam and MICHAEL at Taxi), but I have never made ONE PENNY from them and I could go on an on about why that is as some other time. For now, i want to help you with your mindset and I will give you a few gurus to become familiar with: 1. Neville Goddard - listen to his tapes here: https://www.youtube.com/@DENZELWASH INGTON-o6b/videos 2. Micheal Sealey - listen to his tapes here: https://www.youtube.com/user/Michae lSealey 3. EXPAND - go the APP store and download this FREE APP and start with the free segments. It comes from the Monroe Institute. Pick one and start listening, today. You also need to expand your reach: 1. Consider joining TAXI. Call then up and ask for CRAIG, he is the head screener, tell him I sent you. It will and can possibly help you. VERY expansive clientele. 2. Contact BARRY at MUSICSUPERVISOR.com (WeGetArtists.com) tell him I told you to call. â€(310) 738-3800‬ 3. DISCO! Disco is THE music supervisor platform the music supervisors actually use in LA. It is were the COOL KIDS hang out... it is very impressive. Tell them I sent you. 4. GROOVER (https://groover.co/en/) - they are in France and have a global reach....I have had actual deals (lots of them) come from Groover....again, they love me, so tell them I sent you. I am getting airplay all over the globe and sync deals. Go figure, because my music actually sucks, right? That will get you started, OK. And, REX, re-read this letter and start with the tapes today and use them Daily! Finally, here are two songs I want you to write today: 1. Write a song about the first time you got kissed....and not by a pet. Who what where why all the senses. the scenes.....smells colors touches....etc.... write 10 verses and 5 chorues and 5 bridges....do not edit while you do these. 2. Write a song about your first car.....same instructions.....REMEMBER, NO EDITING..... write write write write. Spend :30 minutes writing NON-stop with each song. If your mind wanders, let it wander, write it down and get back on topic and go go go.... Once that is done, STOP. Put the papers away and go back to each one and write a melody for each segment... and start cherry-picking the best lines, scenes.... This will all go into those neuro-pathways and blast the sidewalls clean. Let me know what happens. Chet PS. And write something everyday....something....especially funny stuff...serious...psychdelic....
Sorry to see you go Rex but we never made any money either. A friend of mine told me many many years ago not wrote music for other people write it for yourself. Ricky Nelson wrote about this in his song Garden Party. We get a lot of listens on Broadjam and I guess that's why we are still doing it. It's fun to know people are listening to us! A lot of our songs we really like and some maybe not so much but they can't all be jewels. But being able to create something and having a place to put it out there and having peers like some of it gives us a great feeling. Hartley Peavey heard some of our songs and wrote to me suggesting I put them on Broadjam. That was back in 2002 and I don't regret it. We don't make any money but we don't care, we love it!!! Rusty and Spark (Signal 30) https://youtu.be/A3yHL9RXlRM?si=M8v ZnXB0Zi950FaE
The hyperlink in the above message will take you to Garden Party!!! Here it is again!!! Rusty https://youtu.be/A3yHL9RXlRM?si=M8v ZnXB0Zi950FaE
Hi Paul, Thanks for the 5-star rating for my song, "Earth River"....sometime, I need to tell you the story behind this song....it is amazing. Best to you, Chet PS This song comes from my new piano solo album, "Sierra Lullabies".... https://chetnichols.net/instrumenta ls-sierra-lullabies-piano-solos PPSS I love the look of your work space. Currently, my wife is allowing me a 4'x8' space in the second bedroom!
Hi Chet! No worries. A beautiful piano piece there and will catch up on a few more of your songs soon. The pic Chet, is unfortunately not my home. It's actually from Abbey Road studios last year. It was a lifelong dream come true. Best wishes, Chet and catch up soon.
OK Paul, it will be our secret, OK? If you don't mind, maybe I can help you out with that DREAM. So, if you don't mind, let me make some suggestions. I have been teaching meditation and "manifestation" since the 1960's. I know the ins and outs. First, DO NOT dream. You need to set a goal. Next, envision you HAVE IT. REALLY have it and FEEL IT. IN your mind you reaffirm it daily. Example say, "I remember WHEN I didn't have my dream home studio.... THEN say, I AM the owner of a GREAT HOME STUDIO and the home to go with it. Do not worry about "how, when, why, where"..... believe it, feel it PASSIONATELY and envision it vividly. Do not doubt. Believe you HAVE IT NOW. Anytime, doubt pops up, say, "NO, I have the wonderful home studio in a wonderful home". Then say, "It is DONE".....and drop it. do this three times a day. It will take you 3-4 minutes. Be thankful and grateful. Then, for 7 DAYS, as you lay in bed before you fall asleep, do this exercise: Say you affirmation 100 times. 100 hundred times, "I HAVE (not want) my dream home studio and the home to go with it". 7 days....100 times. Believe it and feel it..... then drop it and go to sleep...... Do this, you will be surprised what happens.... Best, Chet
Many thanks, Chet! Will try that! Go steady, Best, Paul
People usually pay for this...but I give it away.... OH, check out my new track, "The Mother Road Lullaby"..... wonderful tune..... Chet
Hey Chet thanks so much for the positive review of "I can play the blues forever" your thoughts are always appreciated. I have some big plans for that song but we'll see if I ever get to it. haha Thanks again my friend.
Hey Mrs. Kate! Thanks for the wonderful review of my song, "The Sands Of Time"...... You are one of the few who have "gotten" this song for what it was, is and can be....AKA a funeral song..... I also think it is a fine song to ponder when pondering the passing of life in general. I put more time and re-writes into this song than any other song I have written. I was inspired to write it after my brother died, three of my best friends of died....suddenly. They ware a crushing losses. When I finished the final mix and went and asked my wife to read the lyrics then I was going to have her listen to the song. She stopped me and said, "I have to tell you something, Leslie just passed away". Leslie was my oldest brother's first wife who had been suffering for a while. She was like my older sister and a very good friend. She loved my music and encouraged me to keep writing. Anytime I was in Chicago playing a club or one tour, she and my brother were there. When I opened for John Denver, my brother Brought his camera and took picture of me playing the show. Anyway, her loss was very hard to take. She and my brother moved to LA where he became one of the top film directors in town, but LA kinda ate him up and he died suddenly when he was 45. Same age as my dad. He was my main mentor, as I grew older. They had two wonderful sons, who still live in LA and I don't speak top them. They don't want to talk to me because I am a conservative Catholic. Anyway, I would visit with Leslie when I went to LA. She was my buddy and an amazing lady. After she and my brother divorced, she started going out with a "musician and songwriter". She kept saying, "You know, Chester, you need to meet him". For some reason, I balked at it, over and over. Then during one of my production visits to LA, she invited me to a party at his house and insisted I come to it. I said, "OK", she gave the time and address and it was on a Sunday afternoon and drove over to the house. He lived in a part of LA that I had never been to. I thought I had taken a couple wrong turns as I tried to find the house. I was shocked when I arrived at this stately, huge mansion. I thought I might have the wrong address. Anyway, I walked up and rang the bell and no one answered, but I could hear a party was going on outside in the back, so I just walked in. This house was like a dream. Huge living room that had TWO Steinway CONCERT GRANDS in the living room with room to spare. OMG....then I walked to back where they was a lively group having a good time. Leslie saw me and came over and introduced me to everyone. It was like a dream. I went into the house and had the bartender mix me a margarita....and then went back into the living room. I WANTED TO PLAY one of those pianos. So, I sat down and started to play a song, "Earth River". The piano sounded other worldly. I had my eyes closed and when I opened them, there stood Leslie's boyfriend, a dark-haired woman and Leslie...just standing there smiling at me. I stopped playing. Her boyfriend, asked, "Did you write that?" I said, "Yes". "I told you," Leslie stated and she went outside. Her boyfriend and the dark haired lady move over to me and asked, "Can you play another song?" So, I did. At that point, they came over and we started to talk about songwriting, and what I was doing, and was I still writing....and then he said, "Well, Chester, I don't know what you are doing, but you should still be writing. If you stopped, start again and start now. You have it". We chatted for awhile and then we went outside and joined the party. The dark haired lady was a woman named, Diane Warren. Diane Warren. Leslie's boyfriend was, Michael Masser. He WAS famous for writing songs for Whitney Houston and wrote many of his songs for Leslie. Amazing story. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micha el_Masser Anyway, when I got back to Chicago, I strung up my guitars with new strings, bought a Fender bass, bought a Yamaha workstation, some mics and a Tascam recorder and started to try and learn to write again. It was a very emotional time for me....and a huge struggle because my film production business was thriving and Nancy and I had two sons we were dedicated to raising. Moreover, I had been royally screwed by the music bizz in my career and touring days. But, still I found time to write and it all came back to me. And I do it now everyday and whenever I can and I love doing it. Sadly though, I have NEVER placed a song with another artist, and have had only one SYNC deal...ever. ONE. And get nothing back from it. Then, again, I loved it. I know my family thinks I am a little bit crazy, but the weird talent, voice and whispers haunt me. So, I just do it. I decided to beat back all the "can'ts" I hear on the outside and on the inside and just silence them with two words: I CAN. Anyway, I am so glad you like that songs and respond favorably to so many of my others. You are an inspiration. Keep up the good work God bless you.....really.....God bless you. Chester