Jadi Norris-My Blog
New Year’s Party-UPDATE:SOLD OUT!
Man, what a great time I had bringing in the New Year. Ready for 2012; I know that! Got to take my family, so spent all morning 12/31 sledding at Sunrise Mountain. Definitely got my workout in! Had a wonderful time with the kids and nobody got hurt-(whew). Billy James and Darrell Baha were wonderful to work with, as usual, and the people of Pine Top/Show Low were great to play a show for. Chris, Jesse, and John played incredibly and I feel so confident and peaceful about the future-the band sounded great, even by my standards. My thoughts and prayers were with those who couldn’t be there-most obviously, our great friend Dan Molter and his wife Judy. Dedicated “Desperado” to him and remembered him aloud along with the memory of my Dad. Hope you all had a New Year’s to remember-I know I sure did. Looking forward to coming to your town in 2012. God bless y’all.
New Year’s Party-12/31/2011
Hope to see you all at the exclusive party at Hon-Dah Casino Resort in beautiful Pine Top/Show Low, AZ for our farewell party to 2011. Jadi & the boys will be in the Hon-Dah main Convention Center-doors open at 6:00 pm and the show starts at 9:00 pm.
Merry Christmas 2011
SoundOff.FM Charts/12/28/2011
What’s Going On?
The first question I am asked these days is “So, what’s happening?” Well, here’s a synopsis of the past few months.
In September of 2010, I made some changes to the band. I brought two new guys on board (Chris Chambers on drums, Jesse Marks on guitar) and WHAT a difference they have made. I really enjoy these people-they are consummate pros and the sound coming off stage is just great. Not only that, but also these guys are great to work with and have contributed tremendously in every way. Very thankful to be surrounded with quality guys.
The end of September and beginning of October has seen the calendar fill up. There have been some grueling weeks in there-a couple of weeks found us playing five nights and twenty-plus hours of sweating it out on stage. Spent many hours in the truck- nine hours one-way to Farmington, New Mexico…Fourteen hours one-way to Elko, Nevada…
Many hops to Phoenix, Flagstaff, Casa Grande, Tucson, and on and on. There is something comforting about being out on the interstate in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere. It’s also comforting to actually get to the gig, get the show ready, and play music for all of these new people. Made a lot of new fans and new friends, which I am thankful for.
September saw the release of the new single “Home Is Where the Heart Is”.
The radio promo team (including Kacey Jones and Abby Montgomery from Airplay Specialists, Bill Wence Productions, and Jerry Duncan Promotions) has been stellar.
Being an independent artist going up against the giant marketing machines of the major labels has been a daunting task, but the “little ol’ radio team that could” has been chugging along and doing an outstanding job. Debuted at #37 on IndieWorld charts (highest debut single for that week).
With the addition of promoter Chris Taylor and the continued efforts of PLA Media, I have a lot of hope for this track.
Even got a GOOD review from Robert K. Oermann (to go along with the other good reviews I’ve gotten from International Country Music Database, etc). Means a lot to get Robert K.’s approval. After all, he is the Siskel AND Ebert of Country music.
Thank you, Mr. Oermann.
The new website came online (www.jadinorris.com) -all the news that fits…Began a new venture with COMLINK (Wynne Adams and Pam Lovelace)…excited about what those two firecrackers are going to bring to the party. Getting booking help from two outstanding companies, MPAC Talent out of Houston, Texas and Goldline Entertainment from Phoenix, AZ. GOD BLESS the booking agents!
The ever-growing success of the ‘Make Hay” CD has been a little bittersweet for me. I said goodbye to my Dad this September-on my birthday, in fact. Dad was the biggest motivator in my early career. He gave me strength, wisdom, and encouragement when no one else did. He truly believed that I had a special gift and that I could “make it” if I never gave up. I am so sad that he cannot be here to share in all good stuff that’s going on, but I know that he sees. I know that his spirit is with me.
There are a few more people behind the scenes that continue to sacrifice willingly to help me climb this mountain: Mr. & Mrs. Cunningham; my wife, Tara, and our three beautiful girls, my brothers and sisters. These folks support me with their love, pocketbooks, and the sacrifice of time. I must admit, I feel guilty sometimes because of the wealth of blessings that all of the aforementioned people bring into my life. Just makes me work harder to see this project succeed.
One last thing-I got a new tattoo. (See picture).
Right forearm-always visible, especially when I play. A tribute to my Dad and a birthday gift from my beautiful wife and kids.
************************************************************************
***********************************************************************************************************
SONNY NORRIS (1943-2010)
Hi there-
This beautiful piece of literature was written by my little brother, Jeff Norris. He spoke these words at our Father’s funeral this past Sunday, Sept. 19. I am so proud of him. He’s not a writer by trade; but he managed to sum up Sonny Norris as eloquently and beautifully as any writer I know. Please enjoy this and get to know the man who was our Father.
I wanted to attempt to encompass my Dad and will attempt to do so..however, it was kind of like shopping for Dad at Christmas…he had everything..a virtual Home Depot….. He is the Greatest Man that his children know, but I will try to touch on much of him.
Achievement
“God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas, but for scars.” Elbert Hubbard.
Dad came from humble beginnings, a poor boy from Gastonia, NC living in nearly every mill village and house that is in this vicinity. Quite often moving before the “rent came due,” according to his stories. However, he had his great lifelong friend, and my Uncle, Gerald Rowland change his birth certificate at age twelve so he could begin working and start making a life for himself, his future family and begin leading his extraordinary life’s journey. He began working and never stopped from that moment on. Achieving the unexpected from his family, friends, and those that knew where he came from. What he overcame…came much through…
Adversity
“Nothing befalls a man except what is in his nature to endure.” Marcus Aurelius.
Dad overcame and endured much in his life. His humble beginnings dealt with poverty, troubled family relations and he endured it all….most of the time with a smile on his face…or able to cover that smile and find whatever the best in that situation is to gain a positive outlook from it. Struck with no direction in which to sail…he made his own way…by tenacity…persaverance….will…sheer guts…and loving a lot in life. Much of this experience led him to offer such great….
Advice
“You can eat an elephant if you do it one bite at a time.”
I believe all of you that ever came across Dad at one point in your life gained some type of advice from him. The closer you were to him…then ofcourse the more advice you got. He had a wealth of knowledge from life’s experiences…though his own bumps..bruises..mistakes..and triumphs. For our family…he was always our “go to guy,” for whatever we needed to learn and know about…from home repair..finances..cars..family…business…and life complete. Much of this advice came in “Sonny’isms,” as my family likes to call them. “You can eat an elephant one bite at a time,” “Grab it and Growl,” “Make Hay While the Sun Shines,” “Don’t get your dobber down,” and many more that I probably just can’t repeat. He wanted to see people succeed in life..and help them in all manners that he could..especially those that worked hard for what they wanted. I’m sure that those that received his words…have kept them and learned a great deal.
Even sometimes…this advice led to the fiery side of Sonny Norris…
Anger
“I don’t get mad…I get even.” Sonny norris
Those of you who knew Dad…well…you Knew Him! He was a feisty man..small in stature..but big in stance. This was a part of Dad that he didn’t like to show..but we all actually loved him for it…for it was one of his forte’s. I think that many of us knew that if we needed a fireball with us…no matter the size..then we needed to call on Sonny to be near our side. (Stories…Bobby at Phoenix..up on desks..car dealer ships, etc.) However…this just a small part of Dad’s great ….
Character
“Character is perfectly educated will.” novalis.
Your Dad is a character! “This is only One Sonny Norris!” are just a few comments that my family and I have not only received this past few days..but over our lifetime. It has been a joy to have such comments from across such a broad spectrum of other characters in Dad’s life. From the poorest of the poor…to the highly successful…Dad knew you all and enjoyed each and everyone of you. His diversity for people and acceptance of those who were good in heart…no matter what your personal circumstances may be…what your wallet held inside…what side of the tracks you grew up on…or where you came from. His educated will allowed him to be a true man among the people and brought himself great joy. This comes from his strong inner…
Courage, Bravery
“One man with courage makes a majority.” Andrew Jackson.
Dad was certainly a majority. As discussed he was a lot of peoples valuable ally in confrontational moments, but courage in many aspects of life has been but one of many of his valuable attributes. Courage to say what needs to be said..courage to wait for the right timing to say those words…and in the correct manor. Courage to do the right thing..when it was the most difficult to do. Courage to take on tasks for others…his family..friends..and all of those that he cared for…and sometimes didn’t care for much…just to be a better man and give. That is true courage….the feisty and fighting is very manlike..yet Dad was much more….he had the courage to allow him to be ….
Creative
“I do not seek, I find.” Picasso.
Dad created a few businesses throughout his life and touched many lives in doing so as well. Those of you that worked with him always knew dad would FIND a way…a solution…a resolution…or an answer to make things work or better the matter at hand. Dad created machinery throughout his life…much of was put in to development and sold…some..others were able to take the credit for..which he still felt comfort from..for placing his input… He built throughout his life…building things for his children…fixing homes…working on engines..motorcycles…and other handyman items. So much of this with no training…just another part of Dad that came through…with what an excellent part of him that he was.
Death
“Most persons have died before they expired.”
“”Live until the day you die.” Sonny Norris.
Enjoyment
“Speed provides the one genuinely modern pleasure.”
I think that you all knew that Dad enjoyed life. He once stated to me that some people will never know what it like to drink a $1000 dollar bottle of wine…drive the Autobahn…travel to the places he traveled. While he was extremely humble and did not flaunt some of the things he acquired through life..he sure wasn’t ashamed of them either. He took greater enjoyment from providing for others..his family..and giving a smile to us all. Time with family…a good conversation…a healthy heated discussion…working hard and accomplishing were all Dad’s enjoyment process. And though his enjoyment he became to many of you a great…..
Friend
“You can judge a man by his friends.”
I cannot add much to this other than to say…look around you. You are all some of his dearest friends…and who are all fine..fine..people. You are certainly a strong indication of our Dad’s character and who he is. If he is to be judged by all of you…then he will be judged greatly. And many of you he made through his love of…..
Humor
“Laughter is the closest thing to the grace of God.” Karl Barth
Dad’s smile was contagious. I believe that when he walked into a room and showed that ever white teeth, that the sun reflected off of them and brought warmth to the room. He grew up smiling…and shared that great grin with all of you. Dad had once wrote down all of the jokes that he knew…which took up nearly a legal pad…those that had been shared with him and those that he would share with others. Most of the time as children…when we took our family trips…it was Dad’s communication that kept us going….we rarely needed the radio due to his jokes…stories…and the laughs he provided for us. He was a happy happy person…due to many of you in this room and he loved bringing smiles to others faces whenever he could. Which brings me to his ability to be a true…
Leader
“To lead the people, walk behind them when they need a push, stand beside them when they need a peer, and walk in front to protect them. “Jeff Norris.”
“The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind in other men the conviction and the will to carry on.”
I believe our father was born to be a leader in life. Again…from his humble beginnings..he had a knack for getting in front and taking charge. Being the go to guy for his family for sure..but for so many others. However..as I quoted before…Dad stood behind those who needed a push in life in the right direction…guiding those who needed it…and carrying those who needed assistance as well. He would put the weight of the world on his shoulders for others…taking it with great stride and pride. When you needed a confidant…a friend…a strong peer…there was not better than Sonny Norris to stand beside you in times of fear…anquish…accomplishment…and joy. Dad was certainly a protector…and would always stand in front to lead his family, friends…and even those who he barely knew…to protect them in life. Driving forward with honesty…integrity…and will setting the best example of the leader that he surely was. Which is just a part of being a great….
Man
“A gentleman does things no gentleman should do in a way only gentlemen can.”
When one thinks of a man…many different examples come to mind. Typically the tough guy image that many of us men like to display. This is true and yes…needs to be a part of being a man….dad would surely even say that. Dad had that fiery and feisty side of him that made him the type of man that wouldn’t back down from damn near anything. Yet…he had the side of him that allowed him to give anyone a hug that they needed…and many times….even if they didn’t want it! Dad was one of those few men that could get away with hugging about anyone….even if they weren’t sure if they like it and afterwards they probably walked away..going…”that guy just hugged me…and I liked it!” Yeh…and many of the women swooned over this! But this is what him the epitome of being a man. Knowing when to be hard…when to be soft…and how to communicate. Providing that intelligent conversation…reasoning to issues…and being a true gentleman with manners…respect…dignity…and flair when needed.
Patriot
Success
” To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch on a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; That is to have succeeded. Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Well Dad…in my mind…you are my definition of all that I have discussed and more. Success in every aspect of being a man…son..husband..father..grandfather..and friend. From this moment..if anyone asks me my definition of success…my answer will be..Sonny Norris…Dad.
Now…look to your left…look to your right. Know that person. Go home and tell your family and friends that you love them and those that aren’t close…call them. Be that better person today and from this day forward. Dad would say…the sun will come up tomorrow, you will swing your feet off the bed and put both feet on the floor and keep on, keep’n on. Please take what you know from my father and keep on…for he loved each and every one of you.
