Country fans everywhere, as well as many country artists, are rejoicing about the long-awaited return of Crook and Chase to television. Last month, Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase debuted their new weekly talk show on the RFD Network. As a long-time fan of Crook and Chase, I just happened to check their website one day and found out they would be back on tv in a few weeks. Needless to say, I was very happy to learn of their return to the television airwaves. Their presence on television representing country music, not to mention their interaction with the artists, has been a noticeable, missing aspect of the country music world for quite some time.
The popular duo was a staple of the now-defunct TNN Network, and now after nearly a decade, they have found a home on the similar RFD Network, which has a core focus on agricultural programming. The network also airs classic country programming, such as the Porter Wagoner Show, Pop Goes the Country and much more. Along with Lorianne and Charlie, Country Music Hall of Famer Ralph Emery can be seen doing what he does best, interviewing the stars, on his own RFD Network show.
As soon as I learned the news, I anxiously awaited the debut of the new show and was not disappointed. The guests for their first show back were none other than Garth Brooks, The Oak Ridge Boys and George Jones and his daughter, Georgette. You could not ask for a better line up to kick off the new show with a bang. The friendly teasing and brother/sister chemistry between Lorianne and Charlie was still highly evident, and their easy going rapport with the guests shone through. As they got back into the groove with a few more shows under their belt, it became apparant the old Crook and Chase magic was definitely still in tact. 2008 also marks the 25th anniversary of their partnership, and what better way to celebrate such a milestone occasion than with a new show on television.
What I have always loved about Lorianne and Charlie's partnership is that while she is the more serious journalistic one who keeps the show on track, Charlie is ever the comedian, having fun teasing her and the guests. As a hopeful country music journalist, Lorianne has long been my inspiration. I admire her great rapport with the artists. She is not afraid to ask the difficult questions, and she also has a great deal of fun with her subjects and keeps the interviews flowing and very conversational. She is also not afraid to try something new and fun with the artists.
I particularly enjoy the Off Stage series on GAC, where she has chatted in-depth and one-on-one with everyone from Garth Brooks to Denise Jackson. What makes these shows so fascinating is that the interviews always take place somewhere the artist will be comfortable, and Lorianne, country music’s Barbara Walters, allows the artists to reveal more of their personal side. And just like Barbara, she can bring her subjects to tears. Nearly every country artist trusts her, admires her and respects her, and they are not afraid to sit down for an in-depth special with her, even though they know they may get emotional, especially if they have a difficult and personal story to share.
As a big fan of theirs for many years, I am fortunate to have my own personal Crook and Chase story to share. I was a member of their fan club for a while and was able to attend their fan club party with a friend during Fan Fair back in 1997. The party was held at their own showplace, which housed much memorabilia from their various television shows. At the time, they had just released a book about their experiences together throughout their different incarnations. I, of course, brought the book along for them to sign. When it was our turn, Lorianne and Charlie asked where we were from, and when they found out we were from Louisiana, they immediately started asking us about New Orleans and how far away the city was from us. We soon started talking about Mardi Gras and the music, food and culture of the Crescent City. My friend and I thought that was the coolest thing ever. After our short chat, they signed the book for me and we took a photo. At the time, I was just beginning to think about getting into country music as a journalist, so I didn’t talk to them about my ambitions, but oh how I wish I had.
Another highlight of the party for me, as if one-on-one time wasn’t great enough, was that Lorianne had decided to sell off some of her wardrobe for charity. As guests walked into the main room of their showplace, many racks of her personal and show wardrobe, as well as many beautiful award show gowns, were on display. My friend dared me to pick something and try it on, so I found a red suede skirt and tried it on - it fit! Of course, I didn’t have enough money on me to be able to buy it, but it is still fun to say I tried on something of Lorianne’s. However, I didn’t dare try on one of the fancy award show dresses. Lorianne and Charlie were a blast to hang out with, and attending their party was the highlight of my first Fan Fair experience.
Anyway, back to their new show. I have watched each week so far, and I am taking mental notes while watching Lorianne. Many country fans who dream of getting into the business want to be artists. However, I have always wanted to be like Lorianne. If I do have the opportunity to pursue my dreams in Nashville, whether it be print or television journalism, I can only hope to do my job half as well as Lorianne and earn the respect of the artists as she has.
To Lorianne and Charlie - Congratulations on 25 years and the new show, and here’s to many more years together covering the wonderful world of country music!
