Ted: “Hey Jed.”
Jed; “Yes Ted, what is it?”
Ted: “Do you ever feel disappointed?”
Jed: “Disappointed about what?”
Ted: “Oh you know, disappointed that you didn’t ever make the Big-Time in bluegrass music?”
Jed: “What do you mean by the Big-Time?”
Ted: “Oh you know, on the big stages at bluegrass festivals all over the country, and sometimes in other countries. And have a big tour bus, and get written up in Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine, Bluegrass Today, and stuff like that?”
Jed: “Well you do know that I’ve played on Vern’s Stage and the Pioneer Stage at the CBA’s Grass Valley Festival more than once.”
Ted: “Yes, I know that Jed, and that in itself is an accomplishment. But I mean the Big-Time, say, like Rhonda Vincent.”
Jed: “Rhonda, are you kidding me Ted? I’m not a woman.”
Ted: “Okay then, like Del McCoury, Larry Sparks, Peter Rowan, or David Grisman. You know, guys like that.”
Jed: “You know Ted, I’ve thought about that. I’ve thought about that a lot. And after all that thinking, I’ve come to a conclusion, and can give you an answer.”
Ted: “Okay Jed, then tell me.”
Jed: “Well, throughout the years I’ve read about many folks who have made the so called Big-Time. And even though it doesn’t happen to all of them, it does happen to many of them.”
Ted: “Okay, so what happens?”
Jed: “Well, some people get famous, and it goes to their head. They get real, real popular. And they make good money, sometimes too much money, and they spend it on stuff they shouldn’t. They get full of themselves, and think they can do no wrong. They think that they can do anything, and everybody will still think it’s okay. They get divorces, drink too much, and get into drugs. And I’m not talking prescription drugs. Then they go into rehab. They go into rehab, come out, and then write a book. And you know Ted, I’m not a very good writer, and I don’t believe in ghosts.”
Ted: “So Jed, you’re telling me that stuff happens to bluegrass players? I thought that just happens in the world of rock-n-roll, and pop music.”
Jed: “Yep, it happens way more than it should. You don’t hear about it much, but it does happen. Often it’s a secret, but sometimes the secret gets out.”
Ted: “So how do you know that Jed?”
Jed: “Well I’ve heard it first hand from some folks who were caught up in it. And I’ve read some books about some of our bluegrass heroes who get caught in that tangled web. Then there is the grapevine, which I know is often rumors, but often not too. Once in awhile you hear tragic stories on the radio and television.”
Ted: “Okay Jed, now I see where you’re coming from. I get it.”
Jed: “So Ted, are YOU ever disappointed that you didn’t make it in the Bluegrass Big-Time?”
Ted: “Nope. Not now.”
