"Life's a Dance" Marks Its 17th Anniversary
This week marks the 17th anniversary of John Michael Montgomery's debut single, "Life's a Dance," and it made me stop and think of all the memories I've had with his music. I can still remember the first two CDs I ever bought with my own money. I belonged to a CD club, and I spent hours trying to figure out exactly which ones I wanted to purchase with my own money. Finally, I settled on Montgomery's self-titled album and Alison Krauss' Now That I Found You: A Collection. Even just last year when I was out with a couple of my friends on Lower Broadway, Montgomery jumped onstage for an impromptu set. Later, I shared with him that his was in fact one of the first CDs I ever bought. Unfortunately, I'm not quite sure if he was flattered by this statement or more confused. Anyway, here are a few of my favorites. I'd love to hear some of yours.
"I Swear" -- This song would most definitely be included on the small-town-awkward-school-dance soundtrack. I swear I think this song was played at every school dance I ever attended. This and Lonestar's "Amazed."
"I Can Love You Like That" -- Here's another school-dance memory. I spent my time hiding in the bathroom from my date for fear he would try to kiss me. JMM reached the top of the charts in 1995 with this one and even beat out Reba McEntire's "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter."
"Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)" and "Be My Baby Tonight"-- I don't know what it was about these fast-talking songs, but I couldn't get enough. I was so proud when I finally learned the words. "She got ruby red lips, blonde hair, blue eyes ... " and "Could you, would you, ain't you gonna ... " I know, what a feat. If I only would have paid as close attention to my math homework ...
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
countryiscool says:
I LOVE JMM and was sorry he was so way-laid by health issues. He needs to get back in the ring. His was also
some of the first country CD’s I bought, along with Tracy Lawrence, and a few others I seldom hear on the radio anymore.
missy says:
John Michael Montgomery is an incredible artist. Can not say that he was the first c.d. that I ever bought because I am close to him in age, but many great memories are attached to his songs. One is being in our truck and listening to our 4 older children (who at that time were between the ages of 5 and 10) trying to sing “Sold”.
John’s newest album “Time Flies” is some of his best work yet. Many great songs are on there but the title track and his tribute to his brother Eddie are both very touching songs. His voice resembles his father’s in both of these songs. But “Keep my shirt on” will have you rolling on the floor or shaking your head in agreement(your response to this song I think depends on your age and understanding that it happens to us all.)
I pray that he continues to make the great music and that he knows he has many fans who are pulling for him.
Tommy McGee says:
John Micheal Montgomery, was one of the last of good Artist of a good era that has gone.
D says:
I love his songs from that era. His brother has NOTHING compared to him. I also likes LeRoy Parnell from the same era
Paul says:
Letters from home is by far his best song.
Jennifer says:
This is so funny! I hounded a record store in the mall for the poster of the Life’s a Dance cover because I was so in love with JMM. I can’t even remember the name of that store, much less what happened to the poster. I believe I had that album on cassette tape, and I loved it. Remember “Beer and Bones”? Hilarious. I haven’t heard that song in years.
garyfan72 says:
yep loved me some JMM!!
I can remember being in Nashville at the fan fair softball game. Everyone was trying to get autograhs from his brother..I was so excited to find JMM near the dug out /too bad i didn’t think to get a picture. I get awe struck easy.LOL
Sunkie says:
My favorite is solidly Sold. I love the fast pace and one of the lyrics states something about brown county. Well, that is one of my favorite places in the world. Awesome song.
Silvercity_Rose says:
Can anyone tell me where the music video ‘Life’s a Dance’ was shot? I love the scenery…Thanks!