The Price is Always Right

My Dad idolized country singer Ray Price, who died in 2013 at 87 from pancreatic cancer.

More nights than I can count of my teen and early-20’s years was spent playing drums in the family band, with Dad and my Uncle Max harmonizing on such Price hits as “Night Life,” “Crazy Arms,” and “For the Good Times.” Dad always pushed me — not knowing the drumming term of hitting a “rim shot” — to make the snare “crack more like Ray Price’s does.”

Price retired, but because he missed the thrill of performing for an audience so much he hit the road again in his 70’s. During that time, he was interviewed by Rolling Stone about a CD he was about to release.

“I think it’s one of the greatest things I’ve ever recorded,” he said.

Wouldn’t that be a great life? Doing what you consider to be YOUR BEST WORK in your life at 87?

Ray Price knew a lot about business, too. He and a partner made lots of money in the music publishing business — and Price did very well with other investments. So, why did he return to the grind of the road and performing?

“You can’t be a great player if you don’t have a great heart. If you ain’t doing it for the people, you’re doing it for something else.”

-RAY PRICE

I think that works whatever business that you’re in.

Are YOU “doing it for the people”…for your customers?

If so, your best work may still be in front of you…regardless of the length of your previous experience.