Gary Burr: The Art of Songwriting and Saying Yes

Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

Get ready for an exciting episode of Gig Gab! Join host Dave Hamilton as he dives into the fascinating world of songwriting with the legendary Gary Burr. Discover how Gary’s career took off, writing hits for artists like Juice Newton, and hear about his incredible collaborations with Ringo Starr over the past two decades.

Gary shares his unique approach to songwriting: preferring to write quickly rather than getting bogged down in endless revisions. You’ll learn about his creative process and how he navigates the ups and downs of being a working musician. Plus, Gary gives us a peek into his imaginative book, “Reunion,” a rock and roll fairy tale that envisions a world where John Lennon lived and The Beatles reunited 20 years later.

This episode is packed with insights and stories that will resonate with musicians and music lovers alike. Whether you’re curious about the songwriting process or the lifestyle of a working musician, this episode has something for you. Press play to hear Gary’s tales and tips, and feel inspired by his journey in the music industry!

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 452 – Monday, October 21st, 2024 <https://giggabpodcast.com/>
  • October 21st: Everyone Writes Day
  • Guest Co-host: Gary Burr, a songwriter with 14 number-one hits, a teacher, a touring musician, and now an author.
• 00:02:06 It all began at Woodstock.
  • A Woodstock Epiphany: The guys on stage were going to get more girls than an electrician.
  • You’re the guy who is supposed to write the songs.
• 00:05:23 One song got introduced to Nashville… and boom. That was it!
  • “Love’s Been a Little Bit Hard On Me” – Juice Newton
  • Applying the customer service attitude to songwriting
• 00:08:56 First writing partner: Vince Gill
  • Writing camps opened doors
  • Miles Copeland’s castle in Paris
• 00:10:55 Going on tour with Carole King
• 00:11:27 Always Be a Good Hang
  • Pick up the occasional tab!
• 00:14:00 Be willing to learn
  • And be willing to teach
• 00:17:29 Writing with Kenny Loggins was not like Nashville!
  • Blue Sky Riders with Kenny and Georgia Middleman
  • Perfect is the enemy of Publish
• 00:20:56 Feel the process
  • Harlan Howard: “Son, you and I are gonna write a great song together. Probably won’t be this one.”
• 00:23:09 SPONSOR: HelloBand, a fan engagement app that connects you with your fans while you’re on stage making it simple and effective to bring your live shows to the next level. GIGGAB20 gets you 20% off!
• 00:25:35 Writing with Ringo
  • Vertical Man was the start
  • Ringo and The Roundheads
• 00:27:24 Playing with Ringo for The First Time
  • Simon Kirk. Joe Walsh, Mark Hudson, Jack Blades, and Gary. Oh, and Ringo.
  • “I’ve known him five minutes and I’m ‘Ring’.”
• 00:30:28 Reunion, A Rock and Roll Fairy Tale
  • What if…The Beatles Got Back Together?
• 00:36:00 Is Oasis on the hook for their tour’s success
• 00:38:27 What if the Beatles wrote a song together
• 00:39:35 Gary writes every day
  • Songs, Books
  • Beatlefests
  • Writers in the round at The Bluebird
  • “Wherever You Are Tonight” – on Kenny Chesney’s album
  • Gary’s life has a Zelig quality to it
  • How Faith Hill Got her Break
• 00:46:38 Gig Gab 451 Outtro
  • Follow Gary Burr
    • Get Reunion: a Rock and Roll Fairy Tale
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