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The 2012 recipients of the highest civilian award gathered at the White House to be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom presented by President Of The United States Of America, Barack H. Obama.
Being the first to do something great is special, such as being the first astronaut to orbit the earth; Mr. (Senator) John Glenn, has a unique perspective of the accomplishment of our 44th President.
I too shall orbit a universal wonder, I will cyber-space walk and observe the (super) star that is Leslie Christian,The First Black First Lady of Country Music.
The next time you look skyward, find a star and relate to the work required to effortlessly shine.
When you think of the Women Stars of Country Music you think of great American songs, sung by great Women.
Now add to that list a Women of Color named Leslie Christian breaking through real and imagined barriers, just as fellow pioneer
Rissi Palmer faced, to become a female Country Music Star.
Although her honest humility would dare admit to being a Star, what you and I may miss does not diminish the truth, Stars shine and so does Leslie Christian.
A Woman of Color did receive the 2012 Presidential Medal of Freedom, her name is Toni Morrison. This renowned Novelist can relate to my nuanced wordplay intended and unknown as I write with pomp and circumstance; placing fact right here, Leslie Christian writes her own music.
At the age of 12 Leslie wrote her first song “My Dog Got Hit By A Tractor Trailer Truck”. That song title sounds like Country music just as her latest video and single release “Do You Ever Think Of Me” is a hit song.
There are 2 more among the greats whom received a 2012 Medal of Freedom I believe tie-in to Leslie Christian, University of Tennessee Women’s basketball coach Pat Summit and “The Times, They Are A-Changing” lyrical hero Bob Dylan.
In Boston Massachusetts; the historical backdrop of my last story, there’s a saying used to substantiate a thought while debating, the saying is “you’re making my point”. (add your own accent)
Leslie Christian.. sure is pretty.., she has a great voice.. and can sing too.. (now everyone say it together in 3-part harmony)
you’re making my point!
The Times, They Are A-Changing is a great song with great lyric’s delivered in style by a great performer in 1964, all these factors coming together in a perfect storm marking the 60’s.
The song now serves as a historical bookmark, as I say this story will bookmark the Boniface of Leslie Christian.
If it says Libby’s, Libby’s, Libby’s on your label, label, label you will like it, like it, like it on your table, table, table.. is a memorable jingle for a popular commercial of the 70’s.
Labels for the sound of music have been tossed about since the 1920’s commercialization of recorded entertainment.
Labels are a necessary part of the business of Gospel, R & B, Rock & Roll, Jazz, Country and other music but it’s not possible to “Walk The Line” as Johnny Cash sang, stating Country music is Black or White music.
When Leslie Christian wrote her first song as a 12-year-old she dubbed it a country song but give or take some instruments and that song could be called The Blues, which is considered Black folks music.
When you have the Blues and put them to music, The Blues know no color and as for Country music, all we Americans got a little country in us.
The color history of Country music is predominantly White but the color of business is green (Dollars) add e-commerce for today’s Internet market. The playing field levels out, fans of an Artist can now be as diverse as the world is diverse, the times have changed.
I grew up loving the Motown sound, Classic Rock and Soul music; if you will, I was separated from Country music, only the most popular Country song would make the music rotation on the radio.
I liked Country music legend Boxcar Willie and “King Of The Road”.
When I met Leslie Christian; the Country music girl from Shelby, North Carolina, my music world lost its prejudice, I received a similar feeling when watching Pat Summit receive the Presidential Medal Of Freedom.
Watching this Woman receive her ceremonial flowers reminded me how my mother taught me dignity and instilled a hard work ethic.
I’ve always respected Coach Summit but knowing a portion of her intimate story and seeing her gracefully acknowledge a President’s and a Nation’s Love was the picture of amazing grace.
On this occasion I looked at this great Women’s Basketball Coach and did not see a coach with the most wins (Men or Women) in the history of College basketball.
This time I saw a great Women who fought prejudice for all Women by building a family tradition that revolves around love, not other people’s opinions.
In meeting Leslie Christian it was apparent family is important.
She was managed by her Dad until recently,
as now the talented Horn Man (#HornsUnlimited )
and Entertainment Industry veteran Producer
Jason P. Freeman lends his expertise.
Onward Leslie Christian, Country music soldier.
My interview with Leslie was set up by Anita Johnson, owner of
Anita briefed me on Leslie and her Manager, I remember hearing Black female Country music singer but my Spirit led me to prepare for a Gospel music artist.
Preparation for this interview should have included listening to songs and looking at pictures.
Not this time! for this occasion I would let the experience come to me and write down notes as a reporter.
It’s a beautifully pleasant pre-Memorial Day Weekend Thursday evening as I sit on the picaresque patio of the W. Hotel, Mid-Town Atlanta, Georgia.
Understated elegance is the phrase that comes to mind when I see Leslie Christian for the first time, take note that Artist and Manager are right on time.
Hallelujah.. this man, met the moment!
Leslie Christian can sing under any label she chooses, or no label at all as I found out while listening to her music after our interview.
I had not listened to Leslie’s music prior to the interview, I had been prepared for a Spiritual encounter with LeslieChristianmusic.com
Now by the good news according to MyCyber Talk, “You had to be there” will not apply, I wrote down the interview experience.
Come back for part 2, the further story titled, Conjunction Junction.
Onward Leslie Christian, Country Music Soldier, forward as to the studio.
©2012 All Rights Reserved-to reproduce this document obtain written permission
John Gary:MyCyber Talk 
u kno u a bad boi
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I am too pleased, thank you so much
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