tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7908396779664174302024-02-19T01:26:11.585-06:00Write it, sing it, play it.I'm Phil Bennett. My blog details my songwriting journey and introduces you to the amazing people I meet along my path to my ultimate dream.PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.comBlogger239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-36219062377062807252016-03-09T09:21:00.000-06:002016-03-09T09:21:03.831-06:00Life in the woods...
Greetings to you on this eve of Spring!! The weather is finally starting to warm up and soon the trees around us will be green and blooming. Spring in the woods of Chapmansboro will be amazing.
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discoverPhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-82500062242815704442016-02-16T11:59:00.000-06:002016-02-16T12:00:48.442-06:00Sometimes you need a change...
Greetings from Chapmansboro, Tennessee!!
After living in Franklin, TN for many years, my Wife and I decided to get out of town and find some peace and quiet. Well we found it in Chapmansboro, Tennessee. Never heard of it? Well I hadn't either. We managed to find 25 wooded acres with a glorious house on it. This picture is from our bedroom window. I feel so blessed to live here.
So my PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-32080180457787404932015-10-15T19:45:00.000-05:002016-09-12T15:33:43.381-05:00Music heals! A story for all Singer/Songwriters
Music heals! A story for all Singer/Songwriters
As a singer/songwriter, we often think our efforts go unnoticed or unappreciated. We often think our work doesn't matter if our songs aren't recorded by a major artist. I have felt this way many times. When those thoughts enter my brain, I remember this story.
I was singing at a Sunday service at a small church in Columbia, TN. I had beenPhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-42245656404256137742015-09-29T07:54:00.002-05:002015-09-29T09:24:48.687-05:00Loving Mary - Drinking with you.
I told you they were awesome!!!
If you will remember, last year I decided I wanted Loving Mary to perform at Phil's Jam for FSHD. I was so excited when they agreed to perform. Everybody was asking, "Who is Loving Mary"?? I told them all, "You just wait, they'll be awesome and they'll be huge"!! Meeting Rebecca Lynn Howard and the band is truly one of the highlights of my time here in PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-50352143406358988632015-09-17T17:11:00.001-05:002015-09-17T17:12:38.070-05:00The Growing Conversation with Kathy McHugh
"The world needs your happy ass!" Kathy McHugh
Every now and then you run across a person who lights up your world. Someone that has that indescribable ability to lift your spirits with just a few words on a page. When God allows a person like this to cross your path it makes you briefly understand how it all works. How we are all connected. How there is order in the Universe and how PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-76835476071322390242015-08-30T21:26:00.002-05:002015-08-30T21:31:11.852-05:00How Wayne Dyer changed my life.
This is a repost from 2008. It was actually my very first blog post. As soon as I heard of Wayne Dyer's passing today, I felt I had to repost it in his honor. God used this great man to help so many people believe again.
Hello everyone!!
Here's a quick Wayne Dyer story and a perfect example of how God works in mysterious ways. It was 2000 and I was in a horrible relationship, PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-55919761812561738442015-08-19T14:50:00.000-05:002015-08-19T14:50:10.203-05:00Ask yourself...who do you write for?
Who do you write for?
I am not going to lie. I have been struggling lately when it comes to songwriting. I've not been struggling to write, just pondering a serious question. What is the point of writing a song if nobody is going to hear it. I think it is a common thought that passes through the heads of many songwriters. I even took a little break from songwriting, but my subconscious didn'tPhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-22552570579920319772015-06-27T14:39:00.000-05:002015-06-27T14:40:09.775-05:00Steve Wariner, CGP, Singer, Songwriter
Steve Wariner
My Wife and I had the pleasure of sitting a few rows back from the stage to see Steve Wariner the other night at the City Winery in Nashville, TN. I knew Steve's background from working with Chet Atkins and his songwriting talent. I guess I had forgotten what an amazing guitar player he is.
I was raised on Chet Atkins music. Countless evening were spent listening to my Uncle PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-62796390461677873332015-04-25T09:34:00.001-05:002015-04-25T09:34:37.916-05:00MAD BLACK MAGIC is here!! New song and video released by 2Steel Girls.
I'm so proud of my friends 2Steel Girls for putting it all on the line and chasing their dream. This is their brand new release "Mad Black Magic".
All I can say is I love it! I hope everyone takes the time to watch, listen and share it. As a fan of 2Steel Girls, I want to hear their music on the radio soon. As friends of 2Steel Girls I really want all their dreams to come true.
Have a PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-27255981313708222512015-03-07T10:36:00.002-06:002015-03-07T11:49:34.388-06:00Life with FSHD...my story of hope.
I first started noticing muscle weakness in my shoulders when I was 16 or 17 years old. Prior to that I thought I was just a normal teen. However, I never understood why I couldn’t run as fast as the other guys or why I couldn’t do sit-ups or pull-ups. I just assumed I was a weakling and needed to exercise more. I got made fun of because I ran so slow as early as I can remember. ThePhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-91532408031497019222015-03-01T08:36:00.003-06:002015-03-01T08:36:56.754-06:00There is a song you have not written yet that people need to hear.
Inspiration can come from the most random places.
About a year ago Kristi and I were shopping for a truck. We were talking with the salesman while they were processing our paperwork. When he found out I was a songwriter, he promptly wrote these words on the back of his business card and handed it to me.
"There is a song you have not written yet that people need to hear."
I look at PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-71995273425993392112014-12-21T21:04:00.001-06:002014-12-21T21:11:35.867-06:00A tribute to Dawn Sears...
Dawn Sears
So many people do not know this name, but those who do are mourning the loss of a beautiful voice and a beautiful person.
I first heard her sing at the Ryman auditorium. From the first note that soared from her and bounced off the walls of that awesome old church, I had chills. I still remember that moment. Her voice touched me like no other. I never had the chance to meet PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-38803819500620084952014-11-26T09:35:00.000-06:002014-11-26T09:35:54.637-06:00On their way to their dream...
I love to support artists that inspire me. This story is about a family that has inspired me to "Keep moving forward."
I first heard the 2 Steel Girls sing while watching an episode of NBC's The Voice, season 3. When they came on stage for the blind audition, I remember thinking, wow they look nervous. Then I heard them sing and said out loud. WOW...these girls are good!!! They were PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-19721508651113612562014-11-24T07:56:00.000-06:002014-11-24T07:56:03.173-06:00"Wild Geese" by Mary Oliver
Wild Geese
by Mary Oliver
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-75408704451993061992014-11-24T07:51:00.002-06:002014-11-24T07:51:50.807-06:00The House of 1000 Mirrors I love this old Japanese Folk tale.
The House of 1000 Mirrors
Long ago in a small, far away village, there was a place known as the House of 1000 Mirrors. A small, happy little dog learned of this place and decided to visit. When he arrived, he bounced happily up the stairs to the doorway of the house. He looked through the doorway with his ears lifted high and his tail wagging as PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-62741619280077974372014-08-15T13:29:00.001-05:002014-08-15T13:29:10.676-05:00Sharif Iman...listen and enjoy
Greetings music lovers!!
I want to introduce you to Sharif Iman. Sharif is one of those rare talents that inspires me to be a better singer, songwriter and person. He is a Singer/Songwriter living here in Nashville. Kristi and I met him randomly, but it was one of those random meetings that brings you to life. This man has just a gentle spirit and is so kind and humble.
I went home that PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-6949294638772562542014-07-17T09:44:00.001-05:002014-07-17T10:54:37.336-05:002 Steel Girls from NBC's The Voice need your help!!
I first met Allison Steel in February at my first fundraiser Phil's Jam for FSHD. That night she gave me a copy of their first CD. I listened to it several times and was blown away. I still listen to it. "Forward" has become one of my all-time favorite songs.
We also had the pleasure of seeing them perform live at Puckett's in Columbia a few months back. I was so impressed!! that PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-57165728120020008362014-07-11T17:24:00.002-05:002014-07-12T07:40:47.507-05:00Phil's Jam for FSHD in 1 day!!!
Phil's Jam for FSHD was an idea I have had in my head for a long time. Why not gather some amazing talent, put on a great show and raise money for FSHD research all at the same time? With the help of Wild Wing Café and my family. I was finally able to make it happen back in February. The 2nd Phil's Jam for FSHD is in 1 day and I couldn't be more excited.
Here is the talent line up PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-41070433458326742442014-07-10T16:13:00.001-05:002014-07-10T16:13:45.946-05:00Life with FSHD...Thirty-something and concerned.
I have recently been posting about what it is like living with FSHD or fascioscapulohumeral dystrophy. I would like to continue this theme. I have already blogged about my teen years and my twenties.
My thirties were fairly uneventful when it comes to FSHD. My muscles were still fairly strong and I could still be as active as I wanted to be. I did start noticing weakness in my legs. Stairs PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-12635310211787752202014-06-14T09:34:00.002-05:002014-06-14T11:58:50.059-05:00Phil's Jam for FSHD...
My next fundraiser will be stellar! I am lucky enough to have the following performers:
Loving Mary, featuring Rebecca Lynn Howard, Suzie McNeil, Elisha Hoffman and Marti Frederiksen.
2 Steel Girls is a Mother-Daughter duo that was on Team Blake on NBC's show, The Voice.
Anna Johnson Band is one of my favorites. What a great sound.
Maureen Murphy, probably the best R&B singer I have PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-29336510112288558642014-05-29T17:18:00.001-05:002014-05-29T17:18:44.184-05:00The awesomeness of Maureen Murphy...
In a perfect world, Maureen Murphy would be a household name, but as we all know the world isn't perfect. Fortunately for me, I was browsing a few music sites one night and clicked play on a Maureen Murphy link. That single click had brought so much joy into my life.
Maureen is as bluesy and soulful as any artist in the world. She manages to grab your attention from the very first note. I PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-34970565082600427892014-05-26T09:34:00.001-05:002014-05-26T09:34:56.530-05:00I'll remember you...When I wrote this song, I was still mourning the loss of my Father. I post it every Memorial Day in hopes that someone finds comfort in the lyrics. It is a simple song and at the time it summed up exactly what I was feeling.
"And if by Gods' amazing grace, as I go to leave this place and I finally see your face...I'll remember you."
Bless you all and happy Memorial Day.
PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-75861743684874284992014-05-17T15:01:00.000-05:002014-05-17T15:16:41.779-05:00Anna Johnson Band has something special.
I was surfing Facebook one afternoon and came across a link featuring the Anna Johnson Band. I clicked on the link and immediately started to be drawn in. I found myself being pulled in by her wonderful vocals, lyrics and the harmony of the band.
As with anything that grabs my attention, I started searching to learn anything I could about Anna and her band. Since then I have become friends PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-82253601223030480652014-05-14T12:15:00.000-05:002014-05-14T12:15:18.668-05:00Living with FSHD. Twenty-something and changing.
After years of denial or hoping FSHD would simply go away, I feel it is important to share my story now. I started by telling you my experiences of living with FSHD during my teen years. Now I want to share the next decade with you.
I read stories all the time from people who are in their twenties and are really starting to notice changes in their muscles. For me, my twenties were fairly PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790839677966417430.post-77007944231653536652014-05-06T07:31:00.000-05:002014-05-06T07:31:49.099-05:00New vocal group Loving Mary to perform at Phil's Jam for FSHD!
Loving Mary to perform at Phil's Jam for FSHD!
Sunday, July 13th is the date for my next fundraiser, Phil's Jam for FSHD. I am very excited to announce that the new vocal group, Loving Mary, will be sharing their new music with us at the Wild Wing Café in Franklin, TN. More details coming soon. In the meantime, read about this amazing new group.
When you lock four accomplished PhilBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446742361819532177noreply@blogger.com0