Memphis Gold sent me an email with a link to the video embedded below. That's Memphis Gold playing at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba! This fascinated me so I sent an email requesting an interview. He was nice enough to take the time to answer my questions about playing for the troops.
Hairy Larry - In your email you mentioned your time in the service. How has that time in the service impacted your life and your career in music?
Memphis Gold - Well, Larry, I know what it is to be far away from home and unable to see your family on holidays when normally everyone gets together to share and have fun. I spent a lot of those days on duty or somewhere writing my thoughts down which has resulted in a lot of the songs I record today.
Hairy Larry - Have you played for the military at other places besides Guantanamo? How did you first get interested in this type of show? Is this an opportunity for other musicians who would like to support the troops in a very real way?
Memphis Gold - I performed only once during my 10 years of military service and that was at a USO Function in Athens Greece 1974. I sang Proud Mary and Little Lucy which is on my first Cd #10. By all means this is a great way for other musicians to support these guys. It's kinda hard for Blues musicians now because most of the troops are from Midwest where they like a lot of Country music and Rock. So be prepared.!
Hairy Larry - You mentioned that the troops loved the show. It seems to me that a little entertainment can go a long way helping soldiers cope when they are so far from home. Do you have any stories either from when you were in the service or from the soldiers response to your shows that can help illustrate the importance of this type of program.
Memphis Gold - I have one time in mind, the two shows I played up at the DMZ in Korea. Man that place is so isolated it's unbelievable. There are only a hand full of soldiers there and they are always on alert and constant watch duty every 4 hours. So sleep is gift! But when there is time for down time and entertainment it's off the hook. Another place is Fairbanks, Alaska, where there is 6 months of darkness in the winter. The troops and soldiers have boredom overtake them. I have performed at both the DMZ and Fairbanks!
Hairy Larry - I know you love to play. Does playing for the troops give you a special kind of thrill? Is this something you look forward to doing again?
Memphis Gold - I do love to perform for them to see the fresh youth in their faces where mine used to be. I also enjoy them saying "Yes, Sir" and giving them a pep talk about times they never knew. Times have really changed except for the loneliness. That keeps going back and back and back.
Hairy Larry - Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge? Is there any additional comment you would like to make that I didn't specifically ask about?
Memphis Gold - I would like to thank all those wonderful parents who have all those wonderful Sons and Daughters serving in our nations military service. Thanks for supporting them mentally and spiritually. Please send all the love and care packages you can!
