09/14/07 Charlie Daniels

Have you heard and read enough negative articles concerning celebrities? I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be right back with a good story. Newspapers, magazines and radio have been filled with stories and comments of celebrities falling out of public favor. I know that's what sells paper space and air time, but it can get a little pitiful and downright boring. I ran across an article in the American Paint Horse Association magazine Connection by Jerry Circelli that cancelled out some of that negativism. The article related a bunch of positive achievements of country western performer, Charlie Daniels. My favorite Charlie Daniels song has to be The Devil Went Down to Georgia, but the article wasn't so much about Charlie's musical talent and awards as it was about his passion for raising paint horses and helping charities. The American Paint Horse Association just presented Charlie with its Legendary Achievement Award for his work breeding paint horses for 25 years, but I think his work producing the Charlie Daniels' Twin Pines Ranch Rodeo at his Lebanon, Tennessee home had something to do with that award. The rodeo is sponsored by the Murfreesboro Noon Exchange Club with proceeds benefiting their various projects; one of the most important being a family center dedicated to preventing child abuse. Charlie donated one of his best colts to help raise more funds for that charity. Now you can feel better about celebrities again. I'm Jeff Keane. APHA Connection Fall 2007