MARCH 2009 - "THROUGH THESE EYES" Copy Right 2009 by Author T.J.R.- I have just completed writing my first book called"THROUGH THESE EYES." It covers my 40 plus years of experience with paranormal and spiritual afterlife events. As soon as I find an Agent / Publisher, I will post so you will know where it will be sold. I'm very excited about this project and the demographic reviews have been extremely positive.
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN 2008 - Just wanted to let everyone know that I took a break from writing music to work on our 1950 Ford Custom Deluxe Tudor Sedan. My husband & I have been working very hard on the car so I could show the car (along side of my dad and his 1950 Creatliner) at the Grand-Daddy of all Ford V8 Meets, the 45th Anniversary Grand National Ford Flathead V8 Meet in Dearborn, MI. Well, it paid off big! Our car won FIRST PLACE in the "TOURING" DIVISION and Dad won FIRST in the "TOURING A" DIVISION. Over 600 people registered from around the world. We met people from New Zealand, Britan, Australia and a man from Germany. I even met a man who was in a contest driving his car half way around the world..his 1950 flathead Ford no less. The awards were great but meeting people from around the nation/world and listening to their stories were equally great. It was definitely one fantastic memory and well worth the time and effort we put in the car. And finally a little info on our car - it was used in the 1985 movie "Wheels of Fire." It was a movie about the history of dragracing. The photo of the car (as it was used in the movie) is in front of my car. It was used as a police car...pretty cool.
FEBRUARY 2007- VH-1 Song of the Year Songwriting Contest RESULTS-I've been notified by the "VH-1 Song of the Year Committee" that my song "ANGELICA" placed in the HONORABLE MENTION category. This category use to have around 200 finalist world wide but now has under 75 finalist world wide.
The following was their announcement notification to me:VH-1 SONG OF THE YEAR CONTEST - DECEMBER TOP SONGWRITERS - Honorable Mention - Honorable Mention means that the preliminary judges and/or the professionals offering the critiques have found your submissions exceptional for one reason or another. It could be the lyrics, melodies, music, etc... If Song of the Year receives a lot of positive responses from our judges about a song, you will be place in the Honorable Mention category. This status indicates that a submission was found impressive by a number of the judges.
JANURARY 2007-HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!! -I've just read the most awe-inspiraing book for any songwriter. It is an autobiography written by my songwriting hero,BILLY JOE SHAVER called "HONKY TONK HERO." It will not only move your soul but quite literally makes you want to pick up a pen and tell about your life stoies. A definite "must read" for the New Year. I thank God for Billy Joe Shaver's honesty!
DECEMBER 2006-Kentucky Department of Tourism Solo Performance - Tuesday, December 12th, I was honored to play for the Fort Knox/Radcliff Department of Tourism. Director of Tourism, Kelly Barron, and her staff, set a wonderful atmosphere to play in. Representatives from Fort Knox Army Post, Radcliff Business and Political figure-heads attended. Around 200 attended the event. The Convention room (see photos immideately below)was decorated beautifully. Individual tree was decorated by local businesses. Trees shown in photos are only approx. 1/5th of the total amount of tree that were there. I selected violin music that ranged from "Moon River" to "Garth Brooks" (and everything in between), to include Christmas tunes. I also played 4 of my original songs on the guitar. Thank you to my husband, Bill, for helping me set up and supporting me. And a BIG THANK YOU to the Fort Knox/Radcliff Department of Tourism for inviting me to play. God Bless and Merry Christmas!
DECEMBER 2006-My song, "Rooster Run", has just been picked up by NBT Records. Also, I want to congradulate my publisher, Mr Tom Hodges, for being inducted in to the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame.
APRIL 2006-LUCKENBACK BOUND! One of my "Lifelong Dreams" came true this year. I had the honor of playing in Luckenback,Texas! My husband,Bill, and I belong to the Dallas Ford Flathead V8 Club and we were on the Texas Tour State Meet with my dad, Ken Ballew. I was playing in front of the Luckenback Post office when I was invited to play with "the boys" out back. One gentleman was a poet and the other was a songwriter that had been a permanent fixture in Luckenback since the place began. The gentleman with the white beard playing the guitar (see below right photo)was one of Hondo's best friends. He told me that "he had been in that area all of his life and he and Hondo sat many-a-night under that big ole' Texas moon a singin', a talkin' and a drinkin'." He was a wonderful character and I'm proud to have played with him! I smiled so much that day that my cheeks literally ached. Ya know, some of life's best moments are those unplanned!
SEPTEMBER 2005 PRESS RELEASE- I am pleased to announce that my song "ROOSTER RUN" has been picked up by Country Artist John Brawbaugh of West Virginia. His album is scheduled for release sometime 2006.
AUGUST 2005 PRESS RELEASE- I am VERY EXCITED to announce that PATTY LOVELACE will be previewing eight of my songs in the very near future! Also, I have recently been picked up for NINE songs by a NASHVILLE PUBLISHER. Hopefully, they'll all find good homes some day real soon! A BIG CONGRATS to Kentucky Country Artist EMILY PIRTLE for placing FIRST IN REGION in the Colgate Country Music Contest. Emily is one of the Country Artist previewing some of my songs.
JULY 2005 PRESS RELEASE-I've just received notice from the VH-1 Song of the Year World Contest that my song "HOT ROD FORD" was selected in the Suggested Artist to Watch category for May 2005. The following message from the Song of the Year Committee describes the category win: "Suggested Artists are musicians or songwriters that the Song of the Year staff found impressive and would suggest for listening. Unlike the Honorable Mention, the Suggested Artist is based on the Song of the Year staff, not the judges. Song of the Year wants anyone you refer to this listing to know that the staff thought that your song was found to be quite impressive."
JUNE 2005 PRESS RELEASE- I am VERY HAPPY to announce that GRETCHEN WILSON will be previewing two of my songs in the very near future! My publisher has a good friend in Hollywood,CA (Movie Producer/Actor), who gave the songs to Gretchen...Thanks TOM for all the hard work and beliving in my writing! Also, another song of mine has been picked up by young Country Artist "Catelin Peterson" from New Jersey. And finally, Theresa Dunn has picked up several of my new songs for her new up-coming CD.
MEMORIAL TRIBUTE - "HEAVEN HAS A NEW RESIDENT." 3/10/05 - I just saw on CMT that one of my "All-Time" inspirational songwriters went to be with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Jesus. CHRIS LeDOUX left us on 3/09/05. One of the worlds best storyteller/wordsmith and entertainers has ridden the "Black Tornado" into the sunset...along with his ever-present "white cowboy hat." I thank you for inspiring this songwriter to always tell a complete, moving story through song. My thoughts and prayers go out to the LeDoux family. God Bless.
MARCH 2005 PRESS RELEASE -I am very proud to announce that THREE of my songs have just been picked up by NASHVILLE Publishers! I would like to thank Louisville Country singer LISA MONTGOMERY for doing a great job on those demo's. I've also been contacted by Artist Manager - IVAN ENGLE, to write Original Country Songs for Country Artist THERESA DUNN. On a Personal Note: After spending hundreds of hours writing,composing, recording demos, business calls,missed meals and graphic design/layout - I have noticed three constants through all the joyous, creative madness: 1)Unconditional support from my husband, 2)support and seed-prayers from my kids, my dad, aunts & sisters and 3)MOST IMPORTANTLY, the unshaken knowledge that "through Christ, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE." You MUST have an "Attitude of Gratitude" no matter what life throws at you...and smile through it all because God has a great sense of humor!
JANUARY 2005 PRESS RELEASE - "VH-1 Save The Music / Song of The Year" INTERNATIONAL CONTEST NEWSPAPER ARTICLE.
NOVEMBER 2004 PRESS RELEASE - "VH-1 Save The Music / Song of The Year" INTERNATIONAL CONTEST FINALIST. Message from the contest: "I just wanted to email you and let you know that your song, "SUGAR BROWN ROAD," has made it as one of the top 5 in your category in the Song of the Year contest in November's round. The top 5 songs from each category will be sent out to our music resources including labels, publishers, promoters, management companies, and more. Congratulations on your great songwriting and thank you for taking part in the Song of the Year contest!" Ann-Marie Daleo/Song of the Year. To link to the list of winners, go to: http://www.songoftheyear.com/winners/112004.htm
JULY 2004 PRESS RELEASE - Cover Story
A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS - 2004 Richard Bowden, of Pinkard and Bowden fame says "I've heard Teresa's songs and I believe she's on to something. I'd like for Bonnie Raitt to hear a couple of them." Bowden is now presenting national acts in concert in an intimate (450 seat) theater setting in rural Linden, TX called Music City Texas Theater -- www.musiccitytexas.org with artists ranging from Jackson Browne to T. Graham Brown.
JUNE 2004 UPDATE The PARAMOUNT GROUP in Nashville, TN has choosen my song "THE REUNION" to be on their Promotional CD "Catch A Rising Star" for "Up-And-Coming songwriters." The CD highlights 20 new writers/demo singers. "THE REUNION" is number 17 on the demo. The CD is being pushed to record companies and artist in Nashville. Also, I have two other songs that have been featured by COUNTRY STAR PRODUCTIONS in Franklin, PA on their demo CD called "COUNTRY STARLINERS". The songs are "mmm...Those Wrangler Jeans" and "Coyote Wild." I'm still looking for a good Publisher / Country Artist for these songs and many others that I have written.
MAY & JUNE 2004 Song of the Year is excited to recognize Teresa (TJ) Redmond for her exceptional songwriting ability for her song “She Ain’t No Broken Rose.” Teresa competed against songwriters from all over the world for this honor. “Song of the Year” is an international songwriting contest supporting VH-1’s Save the Music Foundation. The Song of the Year judges are some of the biggest names in music including many Grammy Award winners. The Suggested Artist category are musicians or songwriters that the Song of the Year staff found impressive and would suggest for listening.PAST ARTICLE'S
BIO
My musical backgroud reflects the times in which I grew up...very diverse. I was classically trained on the violin at the age of 8 in my home town of Dallas, Texas. I've played sets with the Dallas Symphony, the Louisville Youth Orchestra, chamber group-State Champion, and sets with the Louisville Youth Orchestra. I've played Country in TX, OK, TN, IN, KY and IL, Rock-a-billy, Western Swing, Gospel on TV for 5 years, Canadian TV show, Conducted numerous "Learn to Play the Violin" violin workshops, Benefits for AIDS, Domestic Violence for Women Centers, the Homeless, DAV, POW-MIA, Children's Cancer Center, festivals, community plays,Disabled Viet Nam Vets Motorcycle Clubs, multiple studio recordings, numerous bands, weddings & funerals...and I've even played to cows. I also write and compose songs and play the guitar and mandolin. I have also managed different bands and I have 15 years graphic design experience behind me (for promotional purposes), to include photography.Ernst Tubb once told me how much he like my "fiddlin'." He said "it sounded like country met classical and formed a new sound." His words of encouragement was to "Keep playin' darlin' and Nashville will find you someday."
I want to thank God for his constant direction and guidance in my life and my husband for supporting and believing in me. I live my life by 4 simple rules:1. Believe in yourself. 2.Follow your hearts passion and NEVER give up. 3.Surround yourself with positive people. 4. and NEVER use the worst 4 letter word ever spoken...CAN'T.
If you are interested in any of the ORIGINAL SONGS listed-
CONTACT: Teresa Redmond / Email: fastcars777@juno.com
Copyright 2008. All photographic images, song word and/or song composition (to include song titles and song contents) and logo's on this website are the sole property of "Teresa (TJ) Redmond" and may not be duplicated without expressed permission of "Teresa (TJ) Redmond."
