Tim McGraw Day Declared in Illinois
It was unofficially Tim McGraw Day everywhere yesterday (Oct. 20), because of his Southern Voice album release. But in Illinois, it was very officially Tim McGraw Day.
At Tuesday night's (Oct. 20) album release party in Chicago, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn took the little honky-tonk stage with McGraw to do more than just give him a pat on the back. The governor, a very devoted country music fan, gave a speech about why McGraw was worthy of a day to call his own and how he wanted to recognize McGraw's outstanding support of our veterans, service members and their families.
"Tim has a big heart and he takes care of his neighbors and the men and women in uniform. Let's give him a hand. The citizens of Illinois take care of families, too," he said as he handed a humbled McGraw the plaque that proclaimed the day. He went on to talk about some of his own personal favorite McGraw songs, especially "If You're Reading This," which McGraw has always dedicated to the families of our fallen heroes.
The governor had shown me the plaque right before he handed it to McGraw, so I had a chance to commit it to my photographic memory. It said things like, "Whereas, the title song of Tim McGraw's new album, Southern Voice, recognizes the impact that Americans of Southern birth have had on our country; and whereas, as his fame has grown, Tim McGraw has become increasingly interested in giving back to the community." It even called out his work with the American Red Cross national celebrity cabinet, his Hurricane Katrina efforts and the Neighbor's Keeper Fund, which will be receiving the proceeds from last night's concert.
I don't think it'll become a national holiday or anything, but it's always nice to see politicians get so passionate about the music and the messages it sends.
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Swilly says:
Dang…he must have really took it serious when he seen that sign that said, “Tim McGraw…Chicago Away”
Jacky says:
I just love that -Tim- is getting the honor he deserves! Tim has always been there to help people. Thank You Tim.
myra robinson says:
I would have been there,if I could have,darn,Tim is the best male singer in country music. I would have loved seeing him leave the stage to kiss his wife when he was singing her song “my best friend” and she is his.I love his new album,it is his best. he got a well deserved honor.
janetgijoenurse says:
One gig in Chicago does not make an album great.
Deb says:
I have to say I do like Tim but I’m very very disappointed in his new cd the only song I like is Southern Voices. On some of the songs it’s like he changed the sound of his voice to be more country sounding. I wish I hadn’t bought the cd I wish I’d just bought that one song online. Also I thought Tim wrote or co-wrote some of the songs but he didn’t even co-write any of them. I guess I should of known better seeing how he don’t write any songs.
mahalia says:
I never bought his new cd. I downloaded only one song. It was only .99 instead of 10.00 at Walmart. ITunes saved me hard earned money.
Deb says:
mahalia, wish I’d done that and now I feel like a nut Walmart won’t take it back. So I’m stuck with a cd that sucks!! But I did learn my lessen don’t run out and by a cd just because it’s by an artist you like.
Camilla says:
I like all of Tim’s music and I’m enjoying this album as well. It has been advertised on CMT and AOL of the album listening parties so it’s too bad you didn’t take advantage of that and listen to the album before you made your purchase and before the album was released for sale to the public. That way you would not have been disappointed. I suggest you continue to listen to the songs because they do have tremendous meaning and you may end up enjoying them depending upon what mood you may be in. I know I listen to different types of music to suit my moods. Tim’s vocals on this one are very good I think.
Ted says:
Did you really think Walmart would take a cd back? That’s funny.
Christine says:
I think Southern Voices is one of Tim’s best. Yes, it has a dark feel, but if you REALLLLY listen to the lyrics, Tim is AS ALWAYS able to deliver a story like no other. His ability to sing about some of the issues that affect many in our country never ceases to amaze me. You don’t have to have lived through it to feel compassion for those who do and have. There is such believability in his voice…
It’s certainly not HonkyTonk, it’s laying in a hammock on a Sunday afternoon looking to the sky and reflecting. Way to go, Tim! You’ve once again ‘touched’ this fan!
MOLLY6 says:
i LOVE THE ALBUM AND IT HAS SOOO MANY GREAT SONGS ON IT, I LOVE STILL. I LOVE YOU GOODBY, GHOST TOWN TRAIN, I AM ONLY JESUS, SOUTHERN VOICE ETC, THERE IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE A SONG OR TWO THAT YOU ARE NOT YOUR FAVORITES, BUT AS A WHOLE I THINK IT IS A GREAT ALBUM AND HE MAKES YOU THINK.
Lori says:
Tim’s music is inspiring. Inspires to do good, to think things through, to appreciate what God has given us.
Allie says:
Just heard “Southern Voice” on the radio for the first time. All I have to say is it does not sound good at all. Why doesn’t Tim pick songs that are good anymore. If that’s all the writing that is out in country now, Tim will continue to go down the tubes.IMO!!
Deb says:
Ted, Nope I new Walmart wouldn’t take it back, hell if they did I would have ran to the store!
sheridan says:
i love his songs and my favorite song of them all is:sothern voice im so gretful to see a picture of him i want a picture to bad so sad right now
Kalie says:
Do you have more great arictles like this one?