IT WAS AS MUCH THEN AS IT IS NOW!

Okay ... this may be a little hard to swallow, but open wide; I actually wore a pair of shoes almost identical to these classic and 'styly' 'Huggy Bear' originals.

It was June 04, 1974, a graduation day in Anchorage, Alaska when I figured prominently in a pair of paisley pants adorned by these clogs as I walked down the aisle to receive my diploma, still unsure of my future; much less my career.

Hang with me, there is a point to this short story ... I'm about to unveil the connection between a pair of GOD AWFUL shoes, thoughts of being 'Cool' and my future as it began to unfold. Who would have thought that something so obviously hideous could have made me look like phony Curtis? And it never dawned on me?

What's it gonna take? Maybe a piano dropped from greater heights to penetrate the hard head I've been accused of having!

After graduation, my family relocated from Anchorage to the pan handle of Florida, now affectionately called GOD'S waiting room when; my mother blurted out the first hint that I was going to be in radio and entertainment.

We were en route down the Alkan highway in late July 1974 when this picture was taken, when my mother made the comment; "Why don't you go into radio and become a disc jockey, you have a very nice deep voice" I just looked at her and didn't give it another thought.

It wasn't until another couple of months when the opportunity presented itself through my father who was listening to a small AM radio station in Niceville, Florida WFSH, a country radio station ... while driving MY truck!

"C'mon boy, I called a radio station and we're gonna drop you off to get a job in radio." (we're - meant: the grandparents, my sisters and mother - all piled in one car).

Honestly, that is the way it happened; I found myself being dropped off to begin a career in radio. Yes I was hired, by Dan Harley, a rather portly man who dressed in black suits, white shirts with a little skinny black tie, had his black hair slicked back, smoked a stogy, drove a big Lincoln and called everyone Ace.

I remember that day like it was yesterday, mainly because of my first lesson in radiology: (learning to pronounce the letter W) but Dan's comment of being able to present an image as a country personality rather than wearing something that a pimp would wear, since WFSH was not a disco station, and if I wanted a job ... I had to understand the requirements went beyond just being behind a microphone.

It was a valuable lesson, that has been long in taking hold, but it's one of those little things from the past that is as important today, as it was then. It has made me remember why I love being in this business, and why I don't want to give up on the dream. Besides, I had the ideology grilled into again in 1983 and that also afforded me the thought; I think I can, and I really LOVE the perks.

I haven't been able to get that thought out of my head, and it's either ruined me, or will make me the success I've always intended to be.

Radio was so much greater in the 'Hey Days' of 40's through the 60's, but; there came a day in 70's and the 80's when I was taught that the freedom of Real Radio, was going back to those days that added so much diversity through ONE individual in a cast of many, who could blend all of those elements into the hills and valley's of a roller coaster ride through music and entertainment.

Little did I realize that it was a comment from my mother, later my father who would put me on this career path, where less than eight months later said, "When are you going to get a real job?"

MASON'S POINT - DOWN BY THE LAZY RIVER! A REAL LAZY RIVER - SWEET!

The whole purpose was to 'Get Away and Unwind' and to 'Recharge the Batteries' ... but as you might be able to see from this first photo - I can tell you that; my 'energizer' wasn't banging on the drum all day!

For whatever reason; as beautiful as the mountains are, with the refreshing sounds of the Poudre River gently cascading over the rocks and a temperate breeze flowing - I just couldn't stop thinking about this RADIO station. But, I did quickly fall out, and woke up an hour later with Judi and Joanne laughing at me ... because my rear end was sticking out of the sleeping bag, and I guess it just seemed a hilarious reminder of something hideous in their slightly inebriated state.

I think my dog, Harley was even chuckling, but I'm pretty sure that his lips never touched a beer ... as he sat there just watching me sleep. What a dog!

Can you imagine what was going through his mind? Being in radio ... I know a couple of quick zippy lines that come to mind ... but I'm really not sure as a reader, you can take it. Or if my comments when I rolled over to remark to the women, would make any sense --- as I do so much want to be able to be ... just myself. But I will wait until the real opportunity presents itself. So be prepared for the real coming out party. It's inevitable.

Who knows ... with the lack of reality - I'm thinking it could be an HBO Special. That's how screwed up I'm thinking when I see what they're producing these days. Isn't that just the craziest thing? You see what the mountains can do for you? I think this is where this radio station was born back in 2005 when I was at this very spot. Whoa! De Ja Vue!

While I was in the mountains, I thought back on some of the opportunities that have presented themselves in my LIFE and how I might not have been really prepared for them, as much as looking back on them and thinking; 'If I'm ever in that situation, I've got to take a deep breath, relax and then let it just flow from me ... like water from a vase.'

For some reason I think there has to be a religious overtone to that thought, or maybe I picked it up from somewhere in the ethros - if not from a sermon ... or some really wise man who was quoting from something ... wise, from somewhere ... at some point in time.

Aside from being a 'Freak Nick' with all of these thoughts traversing the deep crevices of my mind ... I didn't want to give people the impression that I was a 'Big Bad Voodoo Daddy!'

Outside of dismissing any clever solution in favor of throwing a little salt over shoulder and moving on, I was very much wanting to get some hold on those thoughts, so I could be 'On Top' of the insurmountable changes that are coming up with JST KLSX and http://www.rockandrollheaven.net/ or could it be just a plucked wild nose hair away from figuring out WORLD PEACE?

It makes your eyes water, just bringing yourself back to earth. It does feel refreshing when plucked, and makes for a full breath in your lungs. Oh ... the mountains can turn that free energy into something useful ... IF we could only be heard for the TRUTH.

We camped at the very same location as we did in 2005, and I had 'called' it before we had even arrived in Roosevelt National Forest. Judi and Joanne thought that it was weird when I kept saying; "I'll bet you that we get the same spot."

They were both amazed when we turned off of mile marker number 97 and wound our way to spot number 29 to find it vacant and nicely raked, waiting for our arrival.

Joanne had been fretting about the vehicle in front us on our way up the mountain, saying; "I know they're going to get our space Mason. If you hadn't wanted to stop as McDonalds before we started up - we'd have our camping space." What a pessimist! "Joanne, RELAX - they're not going to get our space ... you'll see!"

And look what happened, we got the choicest spot in Kelly Flats. There is something about the intuition in a person's mind that intrigues me that makes me constantly search my thoughts for a clue to what might be coming around the next turn in the river, and trying NOT to freak out about it .. because I do know that; While I do have what I believe to be a free choice in making the decision ... THERE is a PLAN to GOD'S will ... and I know it's just gotta be floating around the next bend in the river.

My mind is always clicking ... as you might be able to tell. And while I sat around the camp table --- I was actually able to sift through the economic times tables of possibilities called a business plan for JST KLSX because it's fallen to me outside of the other chores to befall me ... but I guess I'll really know the business ... inside and out, and up and down the river.

By the way ... this is Mason's Point on the Poudre River in Kelly Flats - It is GORGEOUS - and oddly enough --- it's not far from Masonville, just a few right turns off of Mason Jar Road (NO KIDDING). The ONLY one I Named was the POINT - and the reason for this story, or what would be the POINT?

'The DIAMONDS' - DIAMOND DAVE SOMERVILLE AUGUST 29 - 30th, 2009

Truly one of the most amazing people who has had the opportunity of conversing and playing with some of the 'World's' GREATEST Rock and Rollers, while Rolling along himself is 'Diamond' Dave Somerville, lead singer of 'The Diamonds' and also of 'The Four Preps' who took the time to call and speak to Mason Ramsey? - of ALL people.

When American Graffiti came along in 1973 asking, "Where were you in '62?" 'The Diamonds' carried 2 of the top songs on that soundtrack that brought an era even more ALIVE and has been a fundamental base for that core for more than forty years ... and 'Little Darlin' Dave Somerville is still 'Strollin' along with a career that has brushed elbows with every known name in the business ... Chuck Berry, Paul Anka, Frankie Lymon, Little Richard, Connie Francis, Bobby Darin, Buddy Holly, Brook Benton, just to name ONLY a few ... and Dave along with those artist are what we have been living these years as the planet keeps 'Rocking Around the Clock.'

Personally I feel as honored talking to these Rock Icons ... today who have and are contining to shape our lives, as much as IF I were right there with them, when Dave rode the Greyhound bus sitting next to Buddy Holly as they spoke of the 'Music Craze' and how long it would last ... hop scotching from town to town, playing the latest thing ... 'Rock and Roll!'

Imagine being on that bus and catching Chuck Berry's performance as he scotch taped the driver's microphone inside his guitar to entertain his fellow artist like Lavern Baker, Ritchie Valens or 'The Diamonds' as everyone would join in on the sing along. What an amazing time that must have been.

To hear a man like David Somerville talk about those times, does very much give a person a feeling of the magic that was unfolding, and does leave a listener with a closer connection to the music and the artist. No one really had any idea that it was going to turn out the way it did ... but there definitely was an energy that electrified an audience, and the artist themselves, because they knew they were a part of something special. But, how long was it going to last?

To date: It still hasn't stopped from evolving into more and more of David Somerville pushing the limits of entertainment from music to television to movies and radio specials ... keeping it moving and ALIVE with the perfection of a master of ceremonies, who has been honored into at least four musical hall of fames, as he continues to perform with Dee Dee Sharp, The Coasters, The Platters and other stars who are still providing audiences with the treasured memories of our LIVES.

Dave Somerville was and is as diversified when it comes to entertainment, not only as a singer, but as a voice over artist for National and International clients and an actor as well, with parts in movies and television ranging from; 'Star Trek,' 'The Fall Guy' with Lee Majors to 'The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo' or another classic movie - 'The Daring Doberman's' and so many other credits including: Being on the 'Tim Conway Show' or 'The Smother's Brother's Show' which only adds to his Golden memories ... not to mention the laughs that must have been left with him just from being around those clowns. I remember those shows and how much I laughed as a kid, and now can now look back and think - 'Boy, would that have been fun to be a part of all of that?'

David's song writing ability inspired the television “The Ballad of the Unknown Stuntman,, inspired the creation of the ABC television series "The Fall Guy"starring Lee Majors and Hottie Heather Thomas. Amazing to be in that circle of friends including Leonard Nimoy who went on to become 'YOU KNOW WHO?' but for Dave to be in the series too? What a FUN RIDE to be David Somerville with so many friends who are artistically creative in so many fields, or to even have the pleasure of standing next to a comedic genius and Icon like Groucho Marx drop a spontaneous classic line ... to a waiter at an L.A. party that would leave you laughing for years.

As much as being in all of those other circles, David was even in league with the likes of Willie Nelson. WILLE NELSON? Yes, Dave co-wrote 'Troublemaker' for Willie becoming the title tune for 2 of Willie's Albums. I've got to tell you --- Dave has been in league with Willie and at the same time on the other end of the spectrum - Henry Mancini, who changed his LIFE. It's in the special coming up on JST KLSX.

It only goes to show anyone who looks at not only the music, appreciating it ... on the surface, but wanting to dig a little deeper will come to know: how much one man has influenced the lives of so many others ... and we get a chance to be a part of that man's memories 'RIGHT HERE and RIGHT NOW' on JST KLSX.

On August 29th and 30th http://www.rockandrollheaven.net/ will 'AIR' 'The Diamond's Special' with 'Diamond' Dave Somerville.

And to know this man dated Connie Francis at one time, and didn't want to be know as Mr. Connie Francis ... that has to be worth a smile - since Bobby Darin sort of gave him the 'Stink Eye' at Dick Clark's pad after Connie had dumped him for Dave. Oh ... 'AS THE WORLD TURNS' for ROCK AND ROLL ... it really is heavenly. If you can ... tune us in to hear 'Diamond' Dave Somerville with the 'The DIAMOND'S SPECIAL' and tell your friends or Facebook it, Twitter it, Plaxo it or just forward an e-mail it as a 'Money Angel' - it might not hurt.

If you can ... check out 'Diamond' Dave Somerville at: http://www.diamonddavesomerville.com/ - The Special is on August 29th and 30th - see you there?

OH WHAT TO DO? LIFE? RADIO? LIFE?

Oh brother! One of the reasons that I haven't been writing as of late, is that I'm not sure IF anyone - outside of our 'Loyal' followers are interested enough in hearing 'the same old story' about where we're headed when it comes to 'Playing on the Radio' or being in the cultural mainstream of LIFE.

The biggest word in LIFE is IF, and IF it works out - any person should, according to their wishes and dreams - live that dream.

But here's what it takes; faith, tenacity and a whole lot of endurance in creating a world, and then deciding to walk through the door ... setting up shop ... and actually begin living the dream.

But now what? Is a person supposed to just keep on waiting for it to unfold as most do, pouring more and more time, money and effort into something that they really believe in? Or, is that the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing repeatedly, only hoping for a different outcome?

Yes, I've heard those analogies - and it really is a quagmire that a lot of us seem to have gotten ourselves into.

While I really do believe in the future of entertainment radio ... waiting on the world to catch up, and still not making any economic headway ... but believing in those financial windfalls that are eminently possible, once we find those precious few people who can help move a business along. Only, I'm not so sure it really takes as much convincing as much as it takes in finding those 'Special People' who have the 'passion' as opposed to paying people just for the pleasure of 'having a job.'

"It's what I've decided to do as a living because I love the dream, and now I've got to remember that I love to LIVE LIFE!"

Is it possible to keep the faith, by holding onto the insanity of tenacity and endurance? ... fearing not the hole in this path? Or is it the same path ... and the same hole? Hmmm! Radio! What a great concept ... talking to people and playing their requests to make them happy. Programming to the 'Boomers' and their replicant's. Maybe that is crazy!

"MUSIC for the AGES" - JST KLSX is: AMERICA'S COAST TO COAST

"There is a world out there, that remains in here ... only at times, it remains an illusionary feeling, but soon to fruition.

It may come to past, but only when the truest of LIES comes to the present.

A walk in the illusion gives a chill of that adventure once dreamed, and from those who never sought to conquer it themselves, until encountering the LIFE of others who awaken that spirit and passion within.

To enter a World of Wonder to be Snatched from Asunder, by prying souls waiting in the shadows of lust, for a world ... not their own, until the trusting walk by ... singing a tune; so easily captured and whisked away, as easily as a vulture who waits not for the dead, but to kill instead ... a dream so easily stolen, as if it were their own.

The dreamer still dreams, awaiting the fulfillment of the morning light upon awakening ... to find, it wasn't just a dream ... it was a dream come true."

by Mason Ramsey.

OKAY - JUST a FEW PICTURES of a GREAT TIME at OUR BBQ & the ZOO!

Okay - Here are just but, a FEW - and I mean only a few pictures of our little 'Get Together' with people who came to see us here at America's Coast to Coast / JST KLSX to share a little bit of barbecue, some of the GREAT Colorado weather, the Denver ZOO and http://www.RockandRollHeaven.net.

I have more than two hundred pictures from this last week - and I know that there must be another few hundred on camera's from Dotty, Panner's, Jan, Connie and Ron - so I am certain there will be a a couple popping up in e-mails and on Facebook.

When I get a chance to compose a little story ... it may make you laugh, knowing that there's still pictures out there of Panner's peeking through the bushes while posing with 'Tilly' the hippo, and then ... Connie scaring the crap out of me, just from the expression of knowing when the 'lighting' was going to strike behind my back, causing me to jump. Or the vicious rumor that 'Mason swiped Jan's motorized wheelchair and went for a joyride,' forgetting to tell her that the accelerator was turned 'WAY UP!' "HEY KID LOOK OUT!

Or that Dotty was so enamored, not ONLY with 'Hot Ron' but 'Harley' as she STUFFED HIM with HAM (Harley - not Ron) and then kept him busy with 'FETCH' (Ron - Not Harley) and that the whole weekend was a great time, even with Kate Brown & Joanne Barney, getting DOWN with the WISE CRACKS on Mason's tequila use. WHAT! I only had three!

I was busy giving Mary Day's daughter Alyshia the SPIKED Watermelon, and keeping the kids busy with Root beer FLOATS while trying to hold onto the RUBBER Chicken and the ONE they KEPT wanting me to SWING around my HEAD. I had a really good time, and I do hope that everyone who came by also had a GOOD time.

There will be more pictures coming - but for now ... see if you like these. Mason.

THE RICK DERRINGER SPECIAL on JUNE 20th & 21st Starting at 12 Noon Mtn TIME!

When I met Rick Derringer for the first time, it was when we crossed paths back in the summer of 1965 via a terrestrial connection "Hang On Sloopy," when his song went straight to the top of the U.S. charts and my mother was blasting it on the AM radio in that 1963 Chevy Impala.

I'm certain there must have been another Mason, whose mom or dad was infecting them with that same great tune when it was hovering at the top five position on the UK charts in that same summer. (I've come to believe that we're all connected anyway).

Rick Derringer began influencing and shaping a little more than his share of the world before I really knew that I loved GREAT southern barbecue, but with all things; I was influenced by my mother who was tuned into Rick's VIBES traversing the planet and the Universe, and a little more than 44 years later, I get a phone call from Rick saying, "Hey Mason, do you like GOOD barbecue?"

Rick Derringer had been tuning into Internet radio stations and suddenly found himself on JST KLSX - http://www.rockandrollheaven.net/ / America's Coast to Coast as he worked on his current album "Knighted by the Blues" in Clearwater / St. Petersburg, Florida - (Yeah we still call them Albums) before it was officially released on May 5th.

So in early April 2009 Rick found us, liked what he heard and sent me the song 'Sometimes' where I immediately began playing it on JST KLSX mixing it with the Classic 'Hang on Sloopy' and 'Rock and Roll Hootchie Coo' and it really was a 'Coo' for http://www.rockandrollheaven.net/.

Not only did I find the song exciting, I played it several times on the show for 'Our' listeners and when Rick's fan base began jumping on board requesting to hear again, not realizing that: this is exactly what is missing from the terrestrial world of Radio ... I gladly obliged their wants. It's called the FREEDOM of programming to a 'Wanting Audience' and it's what caught Rick's attention.

When Rick made the comment over dinner, I love to "Break for a little Brisket at Brady's" I laughed and said, "That's a great line that I can use in an article, when I write about this experience." Especially when the conversation turned to the New WAVE of the Future and I became a bit more impassioned with my statement, "Rick, I've been calling JST KLSX appointment Radio, because people are making it 'a point to be here' for the music and entertainment that they are not getting on terrestrial radio stations here in the present world."

Rick nodded with approval as I found myself beginning to 'Go Off' "and they can hear MORE than the 'Same Eight Great Oldies' as much as the GREAT new stuff that artist like yourself are producing, who are finding it hard to get some airplay in that WORLD where Radio Stations will not play those tunes together: and it's a shame."

It was when we began talking on the phone before the release of 'Knighted by the Blues' when I began working on the 'Rick Derringer Music Special' that Rick gave me the ultimate compliment “I saw the Elvis Presley movie Jailhouse Rock the other night, and it reminded me of your show. And in the movie, the Disc Jockey gets more requests for the tune, after inadvertently talking over the song and listeners wanted to hear it even more ... and it reminded me exactly of when I first heard your show Mason, it was exactly the same thing ... people could call in and tell you exactly how excited they were about the song and your interaction with them, whether it was by an e-mail or the phone and it was like it was in the Old Days, so you're right ...we're part of a new generation of radio and the involvement between the listener, the DJ, the Station and the artists ... all of us."

We 'Aired' the first HOUR of the 'RICK DERRINGER MUSIC SPECIAL' on the 5th of May when the Album first debuted, and now you can hear the whole four hour MUSIC extravaganza that includes music from artist like Bonnie Tyler, Cyndi Lauper, Steely Dan, Weird Al', Elvis Presley, Steve Miller and Jenda Derringer who is also an artist in her own right and a lyricist responsible for some of the great music produced by a very down to Earth Christian (and NOT afraid to admit it) Iconic Superstar Rick Derringer on 'Knighted by the Blues.'

The SPECIAL will run on JST KLSX - America's Coast to Coast - http://www.rockandrollheaven.net/ on June 20th and June 21st. I have decided that because of the length of the SPECIAL, as we do on a program like this - we are going to run it back to back, so that listeners will have a chance to hear it at their leisure. Tune in beginning at 12 noon (MTN) till 4PM, 4PM till 8PM & again from 8PM till 12 MIDNIGHT.

I do HOPE you will enjoy the Diversity of a creative artist like Rick Derringer who has INFLUENCED a great MANY lives, from Rock and Rollers to Rollers of ALL kind.

Remember, we're all connected and will affect each other in some manner or another ... Rick Derringer is JST another KLSX example. Thank you Rick for giving me such a great compliment as being able to share a little bit of your LIFE and a GREAT NEW ALBUM (Yeah We Still Call Them ALBUMS), 'Knighted by the Blues' IT IS THAT GOOD!