On a sad note (and there are several) the devastating tornadoes that came through the south a couple of weeks ago.  I had just returned home from Florida with my grandson Drew and only to bring him to Tennessee in the worst disastrous weather conditions in the history of the state… or the south for that matter.   We only saw hail three different times and a lot of wind.  I called my mother and asked her to pray for us.  She prayed there would not be even one limb missing from our trees.  That’s exactly the way it was, however,  it wasn’t that
way for everyone else in our area.  Lives were lost here in our area as well as in Alabama and other southern states.  I happened to be going through Tuscaloosa on my way to Mississippi and stopped by to witness what had happened.  I wept.   An F-5 tornado does what only explosive devices could do.  It looked as if missles were dropped in that city.  I only went to the area where I often dine and buy gas and get coffee.  It broke my heart.  I saw areas in Georgia on my way south that were hit and the destruction was unbelievable.

Recently I went to Natchez, MS.  Soon that area (on the Louisiana side) will be under water.  The restaurant I ate in with Rev. Tom Tapley and his family will soon be flooded.  The homes are now being emptied of furniture and keepsakes.   It’s something to see the difference.  At one point tornadoes suddenly with little or no warning rip through and destroy anything and everything in its path and now the devastating flood predictions are down to almost the hour it will occur.  Certainty and Uncertainty.

Our nation is in need at this present moment.  Please join me in prayer that God will intervene and help us.  One thing about America is when we get hit and are hurting,  people come together in a very special way.  It has almost been like a local 9-11 as far as seeing this type of thing.  There are so many volunteers and groups who have come on the scene immediately.  As I walked down the sidewalks of Tuscaloosa,  I had several people offering me some food or something to drink.  I almost felt ashamed that I was walking in their hometown but at the same time I felt love and sincere compassion from these people who had lived through the storm.

This week a good friend of ours passed away in England named George Webley or better known as ‘Big George’. Big George was a radio host on the BBC and had Miss Haley and me on his show several times.  In fact,  Big George would show up at our gigs when he had theatre shows of his own in London.  He was an amazing man and he really reached out to me in my time of need when I had my operation a few years ago.  Here was a British icon on the BBC who eventually had his own TV show and coming out to MY gigs!  Another blessing from our friend Robert Wilson
who has introduced us to such nice folks in the UK.  I’ll never forget ‘Big George’.

This week my good friend Bob Whittaker’s mother in law passed away.  He called her Mrs. Harris.  When he spoke about her he would tear up telling me what a wonderful lady she was.  Bob and his wife Jean asked if I would go over and play a few tunes for her not long ago.  I’ll never forget when I played some more spirited faster songs her little foot would start tapping to the music.  When I started playing some of the old Hymns,  she started singing.  She had problems at that time remembering her own name,  but she sang every word of those songs.

This week my good friend Don Bassett passed away who was one of the Free Agents, which was a musical group formed by FBI agents at the training center in Quantico, VA.  Don started the group with my good friend John Hall.  I am also known as an “Honorary Free Agent” and have boasted of that title more than most things in the past few years.  Don and one of his colleagues actually started the S.W.A.T. program with Herbert Hoover in the FBI.  It was Don and his cohorts idea.  Don did things at Quantico not too many people could do like teaching
others how to propel from helicopters as he was also on the FBI’s Hostage Crisis Team.  He was one of those people who was intimidating on one hand and yet humbling to be around because he was so humble himself.  One thing that spoke to me the most about Don was that he was a great Chrisitan, a wonderful Patriot, a loving husband, father, grandfather and yet a fine singer and guitar player and a good friend to those fortunate enough to be in that circle.  I’m so honored that I was.  I honor Mr. Don Bassett.  I’ll be ‘playing one Don’ for sure in times to come.

I was told by fellow Free Agent John Hall that there were a number of Law Enforcement groups from various counties that gave honor to Mr. Bassett with motorcycle honor guards who escorted the funeral procession to the National Cemetary.  He said there were honor guards who were posted at the intersections in between and the Virginia State Police shut down I-95 at rush hour in honor of Don.  I don’t know what they did to honor Big George and I doubt that Mrs Harris had the ostentatious display of honor guards at her procession but I believe in heaven there was a coronation Day at their arrival!

Well I hope I haven’t given you a downward experience.  The upward side of all this is that this world does have its trials and its troubles but
someday… we’ll be tornadic, flood, earthquake, tsunami, hurricane, doppler free!

I hope you’ll join me and take a moment to be grateful for those who we know and cherish and thankful for those who’ve blessed us and have made our lives even more worth living on this big rock we call home and who’ve now gone far beyond the sky.

God Bless….
Doyle

““““`

Last night was Dad’s book launch party at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville for his new book (out April 1st), “The Lights of Marfa.”  I’ve mentioned this book many times, and probably will many more, because I’m so very proud of this book and of my Dad for his writing it.

My family has anticipated this book launch party for many, many months now.  This was not just the release of a book, this was a very special moment in my Father’s life, as well as ours.  To say it was very special is an understatement.  It was not only “very special,” it was a blessed event that I will never forget.

The event had a special concert put on by my Dad with several special guests, including Donnie Sumner (formerly of J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, who used to be Elvis’ backup singers), Barry Lackey (who was the sailor who showed my Dad how to fingerpick), guitarist Larry Carlton, Worship Leader Rick Muchow of Saddleback Church with Contemporary Christian singer Michele Pillar, David Pack (former singer of the hit group,Ambrosia), Jimmy Capps (an awesome Nashville guitar player), Bob Taylor (of Taylor Guitars), Aubrey Dykes (my Uncle, and the best piano player on the planet), Caleb Dykes (my brother… a rockin’ guitarist), Haley Dykes (my sister, who did a phenomenal job as always), Heidi Dixon (my other sister, who told the “White Rose” story last night), Barrett Parker (Caleb’s band’s drummer, who played drums for Dad’s band last night), Dave Pomeroy on bass… I hope I’m not leaving anyone out… it was amazing!!!  Duane Eddy and Ricky Skaggs also came out for the event!  :)

To hear my sister, Heidi, tell the “White Rose” story brought me to tears.  This was 30 years ago now.  Heidi actually reminded me of that last night and told me how she couldn’t believe that a story that took place 30 years ago involved her in it (ha, ha).  I can’t believe I’m almost 33!!!  But anyway… Heidi did amazingly.  She’s one of the best public speakers I’ve ever known… the way she gets up there looking like she has no fear is something I dream of.  I believe public speaking is a gift.  Let’s be honest, I did NOT open that gift from Jesus (ha, ha)… but he gave me other gifts that I will Always give Him the glory for. (By the way, it was emotional for me to see Heidi meet Michele Pillar, as Heidi used to sing Michele’s song when we all used to travel and sing with Dad as children.  I never imagined I’d be able to share that moment with her… what a special, special time.)

Haley performed with her own band.  As always, Haley never ceases to amaze me with her talents.  I am and will always be her biggest fan.  I don’t care who I have to go up against to say that either!! (ha)  I have had the honor to hear her voice change from that of a sweet child singing to that of a polished, mature voice, that has always sung to God, and that blesses me.

To see Caleb play with Dad warms my heart, too.  I never thought I could see good competition with Dad (ha, ha), but he brought a life into this world that’s giving him a run for his money! (ha)  Caleb blows me away with his guitar-playing skills.  I can remember when I (yes, ME) was showing him basic chords.  Then he took off like a madman, and now I’m the tricycle and he’s the Harley.  ;)

David Pack, formerly of Ambrosia, made me star-struck when he sang his song, “Biggest Part of Me.” I’m a huge fan of 70s/80s music (along with oldies), and this melody relaxes me so much.  David can SANG!!  :)

Let’s just say that everyone was unbelievable, but what touched my heart so much, is that I was able to see people honor my Dad the way he has always honored others.  Along with his guitar-playing talent, I always hear how much people appreciate my Dad’s humility.  He is one of the most humble men you’ll ever meet.  He genuinely cares for people.  He’s not a fake.  He says what he means, and he means what he says.  He’s the real deal.

My Mother was also honored in the concert, for all of her hard work over all these years, without which my Dad would not have been able to get to this point in his life.  The book is dedicated to her.  I’m sure you’ll understand the utter love and devotion my Dad has for my Mom when you read his dedication of the book to her in The Lights of Marfa.

My precious grandmother, Nana Dykes, Dad’s mother, made the trip all the way up to Tennessee, after having been ill for weeks.  Though she’s no longer sick, she still feels the weakness, and I appreciate her efforts to be there.  A special thanks to everyone else who came out from all over the country!!  The crowd literally represented practically the entire U.S. regions.  We appreciate your efforts in making the trip and helping to make our event so special!!  Dear, dear friends…

In closing, the night was one of the best of my life.  A memorable night I’ll never forget…

*Click here for a video clip of “Biggest Part of Me” with David Pack, Larry Carlton, Dave Pomeroy, and Dad (thanks to my brother-in-law, Tom!).

Click to view slideshow.

First of all, my new guitar, the “Doyle Dykes Deluxe” or “DDX” edition was formally debuted at the Winter NAMM show event a couple of weeks ago in Anaheim, CA. It is different than the DDSM in many ways as it has a list price of $1,498.00 versus $5,000.00 and it comes in any color you want (as Bob Taylor would say… and did say) “As long as it’s black!” It is a very pretty guitar and sounds great too. The DDX is basically a 200 series Taylor with a black gloss finish. The sides and back are laminated maple and the top is solid spruce. It has a piezo pickup under the saddle and the pre-amp section is based off the ES system. The neck is a full scale (25 1/2″) and is 1 11/16″ at the nut which is also different from the 24 7/8″ scale and 1 3/4″ nut width of the DDSM. I actually enjoy the narrower nut width with the long scale neck. It reminds me of Taylor’s original dreadnought guitars and I love the difference in the feel of the instrument. I just know it’s going to be a fine guitar for many young aspiring players as well as a good one for anyone who wants to have a cool glossy-black Taylor and not have to spend 3 times as much! You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the acoustic tone of these guitars. It’s Bob’s design proficiency and genius that makes it a true Taylor. I’m proud to have my name on it!

Speaking of Bob’s genius, you’ve GOT to get his new book, “Guitar Lessons.” It brings you up close and personal to the man who went totally against the normal way of building traditional guitars and how he and his partner Kurt Listug went from such incredible humble beginnings to the major guitar brand they are today. The cool thing about this book is that it’s really as “Bob” as “Bob” can get and knowing him personally for almost twenty years… it’s the only way he’d write a book. He’s the real deal and whether you know him personally or not, you’ll definitely connect and feel as though you do. You’ll learn a lot about business things too. It’s one of the best reads I’ve experienced in years.

Speaking of books… my new book “The Lights of Marfa” is DONE! It will be released on APRIL FIRST!!!! Really… no April Fools! In fact, please consider pre-ordering because right now the prices are really low. In fact, I’m going to order some myself! And it comes with CRAYONS too!!! Just kidding. This book is also a really huge… “I Don’t Deserve This” subject, but as I said… “I’ll take it!” I am currently finishing the recording on the song I wrote… “The Lights of Marfa” this week. Duane Eddy will be with me in the studio, and we have some of the finest players in Nashville. I wanted triple fiddles to get that real western feel, so I have Andy Leftwich, Aubrey Haney, and Kenny Sears. Wow! Another I.D.D.T. (I Don’t Deserve This) thing. Dave Pomeroy is on bass, John Gardner on drums, Jimmy Capps on rhythm guitar, and my brother, Aubrey Dykes, on piano. I might also add that on the plane ride home I wrote some lyrics, and Miss Haley is singing it, and man is it gonna be good. I’ll also have several solo pieces on guitar that pertain to some of the stories in the book such as “The Changing of the Guard,” “The Visitation,” and “White Rose for Heidi.” Saddleback Church also sent us some footage of “How Great Thou Art” that will be included as well. So there will be music and a DVD of us as we record it. My publisher, Steve Lyon at Moody Publishing in Chicago told me recently that they’ve never done anything of this magnatude before with a book that includes music and a DVD. The e-book version will also be available and will include these features or have them made available. This is all so new to me. I.D.D.T.! (Did you get that?)

My friend Jeff Carlisi (38 Special) just sent me an endorsement and also commented to me personally in the nicest way about the love I have for my family and for God. One might understand the relationship of a wife and children but loving God? Why not? He loves you! He really does! Jeff understands this too, and the good thing is we can have our friendship for a whole lot longer than the few years we have “down here.” Jeff also sent me a file from a song that he and Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd wrote and recorded together called “Four Walls of Raiford.” Although Ronnie’s life was short lived (he’s buried only fifty or so yards from my dad), there’s a great chance of meeting again and playing music together. That’s what this book is about… giving hope and the reality of a loving Heavenly Father. Bob Taylor has written the forward for the book. I’m Excited!! (I.D.D.T.!!!)

With all my heart… I want this year to count BIG in my life. I want to see Touchstones turn out of stumbling blocks! I’m believing God for blessings that will overtake me. And at the same time, I’m praying for you as you’re reading this. There are millions of things you could be reading on the world wide web right now, but you’re reading this. I hope you have the best year of your life and the more you give to the good Lord… the more you’ll see that you can’t “Out-give” Him. He wants to bless your life and give you “Life More Abundantly!”

While at NAMM, I got to play with my friend David Pack and also Larry Carlton. What a blessing that was and I believe it was just a taste of what’s going to happen also this year with our television show, “Live Sessions.” As I keep saying… I.D.D.T…. but then again, who am I to say that! Hey, how about… let’s just have a GREAT, GREAT YEAR whether we deserve it or not! Let’s take it!

God Bless!

Doyle

Doyle and David Pack

One school of thought says we should make them viewable to anyone even if they haven’t purchased the book.

Another says we should make them viewable only to those who’ve bought the book—that way, they feel like they’re getting something extra.

Please feel free to share other thoughts or comments:

Thanks for your help!