There has been so much erroneous reporting on this subject that would be largely missing if those interested following the events in chronological order.

I set the matter straight, weeks ago, when I wrote in Stacy’s Music Row Report (www.countrymusicreport.com/Stacyharris.htm), the following:

Every time a major country artist dies it’s become the norm for the publicists of other artists to issue statements in their clients’ names. In Eddy’s case, some of the artists probably only heard of Arnold after his death, as the statements issued in their names were more about themselves than Eddy.

It doesn’t seem that it could be worse than that, but pre-funeral and post-funeral media coverage of Arnold’s passing has been absolutely abysmal. How many examples do you want?

I didn’t even know CLIFF AYERS was still alive until I saw him on a Fox 17 newscast identified by the reporter as Eddy’s “friend.”

Then there’s The Tennessean’s captioning a photo of SALLY and Eddy’s son: “Eddie Arnold Jr.”!

And Catholics are not the only ones cringing at a bit of hyperbole, courtesy of BOB OERMANN, who likened Arnold’s passing to the “death of a pope.” (Oermann’s enthusiasm is admirable and is easily forgiven due to Bob’s amiable nature. Once he examines his double-standard application of both praise and criticism, Bob’s expertise will be on par with his [selective] passion).

Nowhere in any posthumous coverage of Eddy’s life, other than my own, has their been any mention of Arnold’s autobiography and my past reporting on the protected legacy was borne out on Channel 50 on the evening of May 14th, just as I predicted earlier in the day it would during an afternoon conversation with the station’s CHERILYN CROWE.

Guests Oermann and Arnold biographer DON CUSIC closed ranks when a 71-year-old caller named Sarah, remarking that Arnold’s life seemed to be controversy-free, asked if there had been any scandal. Both Bob and Don said there had not.

I could have gone the hour without hearing the question. I prefer to remember, as Bob did, Eddy’s acting as a caregiver for his son, DICKIE.

One week after his college graduation, Dickie’s car was hit head-on.
News reports at the time left the impression the younger Arnold might not live following a head injury that left him unconscious for nearly ten weeks. Dickie’s right side was paralyzed and, once released from the hospital, his care proved to be too much for a male nurse.

So it was up to Eddy to provide the in-home care that included diaper and catheter changes. And Arnold did so with, if the word applies, enthusiasm.

But the question was asked and, in the absence of a refusal to comment, it demanded a truthful answer.

As I have previously written, the answer first surfaced in rumor form during a regular feature of the syndicated JOAN RIVERS SHOW titled “Gossip, gossip, gossip.” (I know this because I was to be hired following what turned out to be the show’s final season. When the cancellation came, I received a surprise invitation to the cast “wrap” party, which I have kept to this day.)

The show debuted in 1989 and sometime before final episode there was a mention of Eddy’s siring a love child during an extramarital affair. If there were any details, I don’t remember them. I couldn’t imagine this rumor being true and I wondered why Eddy didn’t sue for libel.

Fast forward to a few years ago when CINDY ADAMS named names and indicated that Eddy’s legal representative(s) were putting pressure on a New York woman to refrain from writing any tell-all mentioning Arnold’s name. I never heard anything more about the book until May 12th when, in a tasteless revelation following Eddy’s death but before his burial, an emboldened Adams reiterated what she claimed was a 1992 conversation with the then 54-year-old ARLENE TANNER GLYNN of Astoria, Queens. (Adams touts this as a scoop but, again, that credit/or blame rests with the Rivers show.)

In any event, Cindy reports that the “one-time auburn-haired knockout in the music business” told Adams that she gave birth to a son by Eddy (who will be celebrating his 48th birthday in November). Since “Arnold wanted nothing to do with his son,” Arlene named the boy who became a decorated Marine, CHRISTOPHER EDWARD TANNER. (Christopher? Why not Richard?)

Stacy Harris
Publisher/Executive Editor
Stacy’s Music Row Report
http://www.countrymusicreport.com

I think this move says – to quote Jessica’s hero- “bring it on.” lol.
http://justjared.buzznet.com/2008/06/13/jessica-simpson-real-girls-eat-meat/

Good luck to Caitlin and Will! They seem to be headed down the same country-rock route that everyone else in country music is these days, but at least they aren’t anorexic and blonde. Honestly, I really hope they surprise me…they seem to have it in them.

It is hyperbole to say he pioneered the use of horns in country music, however. Merle Travis and Bob Wills both made extensive use of brass during the 1940s and other acts used brass occasionally

Sunny Sweeney opened for both of Loretta’s Texas gigs and yet no mention was made of this. Oh well..

Catherine Britt’s whinging (the Aussie form of whining) will not have much of an impact down under. The “sophisticated” big city dwellers have always looked down their noses at the bush dwelling country folk whether they be farmers, ranchers, miners, etc. The cultural bias of city folk against anything country, including the music, is much deeper in Australia than it is in the US. After living in Music City for six years, where country music is king, it must have been a real shock for Catherine to get back home and find out country music acceptance in the general population isn’t much better than when she first headed off to Nashville…

They weren’t quite as strong on Stupid Boy, but the love song was enough to show their stripes. Clean Will up a bit and teach Caitlin to show just a bit more personality, and I think they have a shot at being *real* singing starts in the country genre. They were great.

I think the final two were great and wouldve been happy wither way. I think Brownell and Richie were there because they were talented and they represent what many call “contemporary country” (especially soccer moms who kept “according to Jim” on the air for so long). They werent my cup o’ tea by any stretch, but they were leaps and bounds more talented and distinctive than the duos that were eliminated before them.

I really wanted Joey and Rory to win also because I think they were hands down the best, (and the only ones who stayed true to country). I’ve loved Rory as a songwriter and performer for a few years now, but had not seen/heard Joey perform until this show.

However, based soley on their performance on the episode in which they were eliminated, their performance wasnt up to par with Caitlyn and Will. And dont make fun of Will please. Next to Joey and Rory, Caitlyn and Will were the only two who were themselves throughout the show. They were totally honest and sincere in what they said and how they said it. And I loved it!

My preference would have been for Joey and Rory to be first, Caitlyn and Will second — and I’m not sure why Brownell and Richie were even in the competition except Naomi had the hots for the little one (I dont even know which was which).

Overall I was surprised at the level of talent on this show. (Unlike this year’s Nashville Star which left me with my hands over my years for most of that first episode.)