by Tony Papard » Sun Sep 19, 2010 12:23 am
The trouble is he doesn't seem to enjoy doing live shows anymore. Far too often he's on autopilot, just picking the same old songs from the same old set list, and ending the show as soon as possible.
Now on the TV appearances and at MDQ show he was much better, putting some enthusiasm into the peformance, but this was only for one, two or three numbers.
I feel he should perhaps go into semi-retirement. The traveling seems to take its toll on him. The opportunities to make some money in the States seem endless to me. He has two famous cousins for a start. One, Mickey Gilley, is unable to play piano yet because of his temporary semi-paralysis due to the accident last year. Surely he'd welcome his cousin doing a residency at his Branson, Missouri theater?
Then there's cousin Jimmy who could give Jerry a spot on his telecast, record a Gospel album with him, or invite him to play at his Family Worship Center, maybe at a Camp Meeting.
He does the Beale Street Festival, so perhaps more shows in and around Memphis where he can sleep at home afterwards.
And recording CDs and DVDs, where he can hopefully learn new songs.
He can't retire even if he wanted to - that's clear. He hasn't saved any money and has lots of expenses, not least the Ranch with all its costly upkeep, plus any alimony paid to Kerrie, and of course the IRS, electricity bills, etc. But he can choose to pace himself and cut out these exhausting overseas tours.
I await with interest to see how he performs on the upcoming European tour, if it indeed goes ahead.
Long ago in Ferriday down in Louisiana, They all watched Jerry play and pump that old piana
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