You're probably wondering what "#298" stands for. Don't tax your brain too much as it simply represents that this is the 298th entry into Danny's Diary. From this point forward, each diary will be numbered at the end.
And, to be totally honest, it's there because I don't want to count entries every time I try to recall what number entry I'm up to.
Every so often, I like to send out kudos to behind-the-scenes people who don't get a lot of attention. Today, I'd like to recognize Eddie Swann.
Eddie's down in the Asheville, N.C., area and he's guiding Regal Media Group through the company's infancy. This is nothing new for Eddie as he's been a key player in the early days of such companies as the Horizon Music Group and Crossroads Marketing. He's also been instrumental in the early careers of some artists that are doing very well today. You probably recognize the names Gold City and Squire Parsons. Let's look back in time just a bit.
Many people tend to think that "In My Robe Of White" was Gold City's first charting song. Though the song went up to Number Two, it was not the group's first venture into the Top 40. The distinction of the being the first charting song for Gold City belongs to "I've Got A Feeling," that peaked at Number 38 in December of 1982. Released on Eddie's "Dawn" label, this song helped open radio's doors to the new quartet.
Then there is the case of Squire Parsons, which actually took place prior to Gold City's arrival. If ever there was a song a recording company could hang a hat on, a song recorded on one of Dawn's very first efforts was certainly that song. Let's be honest about it, folks ... if you were at the helm of a new record company, wouldn't you be thrilled out of your mind to introduce to Southern Gospel music - and the world - a song called "Sweet Beulah Land?"
Of course, you'd probably do like most record producers do today and immediately start fretting over how to follow such a successful song.
Try "He Came To Me" and "The Broken Rose."
All three of those now-classic songs were released on Eddie Swann's Dawn label. In fact, between the three, the songs occupied space on the Top 40 chart for 44 months.
In recent years, Eddie's taken time away from the forefront of Southern Gospel music. But now, with the advent of his new company, Eddie's ready to introduce a whole new slate of artists and songs. In fact, he's just sent out the company's first radio compilation.
Squire Parsons has the first cut.
Maybe Yogi Berra had it right. It's deja vu all over again.
Eddie, glad you're back.
